Pope Francis Had 2 Episodes of ‘Acute Respiratory Failures’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis is recovering from two serious respiratory crises and no longer requires mechanical ventilation, the Vatican confirmed. While he now receives oxygen through a nasal tube, doctors remain cautious about his condition. His health struggles come as Lent begins, with the Vatican proceeding with planned spiritual exercises in his absence.
Pope Francis’ Recovery: Quick Look
- Respiratory Crisis: Pope Francis suffered two serious breathing episodes Monday.
- Medical Intervention: Doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear mucus.
- Health Update: He no longer needs a ventilation mask, using nasal oxygen instead.
- Medical Prognosis: The Vatican remains cautious about his recovery.
- Lenten Observances: A cardinal will take his place at Ash Wednesday services.
- Spiritual Retreat: Vatican leaders will continue the retreat “in communion” with him.
- Doctor’s Concern: Specialists warn his lungs may struggle to clear secretions.
- Church’s Stance: Catholic teaching allows stopping “extraordinary” medical treatments.
Pope Francis Had 2 Episodes of ‘Acute Respiratory Failures’
A Deep Look
Pope Francis No Longer on Ventilation, But Caution Remains
Pope Francis has shown signs of improvement after suffering two serious respiratory crises on Monday, the Vatican reported. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has a history of lung disease and had part of a lung removed in his youth, no longer requires mechanical ventilation and is now receiving oxygen through a nasal tube.
His condition, however, remains a concern. The Vatican emphasized that while his reliance on invasive oxygen support has decreased, doctors are continuing to monitor his recovery closely. The recent health scare required urgent medical intervention, including bronchoscopies to remove a significant buildup of mucus from his lungs.
Medical Challenges and Concerns
Monday’s crises were not the first respiratory difficulties the pope has faced recently. Last Friday, he experienced a severe coughing episode and briefly inhaled vomit, which led to his initial placement on noninvasive ventilation. However, this latest incident was more concerning, as doctors had to perform two separate bronchoscopies to suction fluid from his airways.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, highlighted that the need for bronchoscopies indicates the pope is struggling to clear his own lung secretions. “The fact that they had to go in there and remove it manually is concerning, because it means that he is not clearing the secretions on his own,” Coleman explained.
Francis has been undergoing respiratory therapy to strengthen his lungs, but his limited mobility—he primarily uses a wheelchair—could make recovery more difficult. His lack of physical activity may reduce his ability to cough forcefully enough to expel mucus naturally.
Lenten Season Continues Without the Pope
As Francis remains under medical supervision, the Vatican is moving forward with Lenten observances in his absence. A designated cardinal will preside over Ash Wednesday services, which mark the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
Additionally, the annual spiritual retreat for Vatican leaders, scheduled for this coming weekend, will continue as planned. The Vatican announced that the retreat would be held “in spiritual communion” with the pope, emphasizing the theme of “Hope in Eternal Life,” which was chosen prior to his illness.
A Balancing Act Between Treatment and Faith
The pope’s hospitalization raises broader questions about end-of-life care within the Catholic Church. While Francis has not been intubated or placed on a ventilator requiring sedation, it remains unclear whether he has given specific directives about the extent of care he wishes to receive.
Catholic doctrine emphasizes the importance of preserving life but also acknowledges that “extraordinary” medical interventions can be declined when they are no longer beneficial. In a 2017 speech to the Vatican’s bioethics think tank, the Pontifical Academy for Life, Pope Francis himself stated that aggressive treatments should not be used solely to prolong suffering. “There is no obligation to have recourse in all circumstances to every possible remedy,” he said at the time, adding that the moral decision to withdraw “overzealous treatment” is permitted.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who leads the academy, reinforced this view, stating that Francis would follow Church teachings if his condition worsened. “Today the pope is giving us an extraordinary teaching on fragility,” Paglia said. “Not through words, but with his body, he reminds us that we are all fragile and must care for one another.”
What’s Next for Pope Francis?
While his condition has improved slightly, the Vatican has not provided a detailed prognosis or timeline for his recovery. This marks Francis’ longest hospitalization in his 12-year papacy, reflecting the seriousness of his health concerns.
Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis has continued to lead the Church with determination. However, his repeated hospitalizations over the past year have sparked discussions about succession planning and the possibility of resignation—something he has acknowledged as a possibility in the past.
For now, Vatican officials remain hopeful that he will recover enough to resume his duties. His supporters worldwide continue to pray for his health, while medical experts caution that pneumonia remains a serious risk, particularly given his age and preexisting conditions.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.