Vatican: Pope Francis Suffers Setback in Lung Infection Recovery \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Francis suffered two acute respiratory crises Monday, requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation again. Doctors removed significant mucus buildup from his lungs but found no signs of a new infection. The Vatican has not released new images of the pope, fueling concerns as his hospitalization enters its third week.
Pope Francis’ Health Setback: Quick Looks
- Two New Respiratory Crises – Pope Francis struggled with severe lung congestion, requiring emergency medical intervention.
- Mucus Buildup Removed – Doctors performed bronchoscopies to extract excessive secretions from his lungs.
- Ventilation Support Resumed – The pope was placed back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
- No New Infection Found – The Vatican says the issues stem from the original pneumonia, not a secondary infection.
- Concerns Over Recovery – Doctors worry Francis lacks the muscle strength to clear his lungs naturally.
- Longest Hospitalization of His Papacy – Francis has not appeared publicly since entering the hospital on February 14.
- Calls for Public Message – Vatican officials urge Francis to make a statement amid growing global concern.
Deep Look
Pope Francis Suffers New Respiratory Setbacks
Pope Francis’ battle with a severe lung infection took a concerning turn Monday, as the Vatican confirmed he suffered two acute respiratory crises that required urgent medical intervention. The 86-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14, was placed back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation after doctors extracted large amounts of mucus from his lungs.
While Vatican officials assured the public that no new infection was detected, medical experts remain cautious. The ongoing complications underscore the seriousness of the pope’s condition, particularly given his history of chronic lung disease and previous lung surgery.
Doctors Perform Emergency Bronchoscopies
To clear his airways, doctors performed two bronchoscopies, a procedure in which a camera-tipped tube with suction is inserted into the lungs to remove blockages. The Vatican described the mucus buildup as “copious”, a troubling indication that Francis is struggling to expel lung secretions on his own.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, noted that the use of bronchoscopies signals a serious concern. “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 said.
Pope Francis had been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help improve lung function, but the persistent mucus accumulation suggests his body is not responding as hoped.
Pope Francis’ Physical Condition and Recovery Challenges
The pope’s lack of mobility and physical fitness is complicating his recovery. At 86 years old, Francis uses a wheelchair and is overweight, which could contribute to reduced lung function and weaker coughing ability. A strong cough is essential for clearing lung congestion, but the Vatican’s latest update suggests he is struggling to expel secretions without medical assistance.
Despite his health struggles, the Vatican reports that Francis remains alert and cooperative, but his prognosis remains uncertain.
Concerns Over Prolonged Absence From Public Eye
As Francis’ hospitalization stretches beyond two weeks, the Vatican has not released any new photos or videos of the pope, fueling speculation about his true condition. This is now his longest hospital stay since becoming pope in 2013.
The Vatican has defended its decision to allow Francis to recover privately, but some close allies have urged him to make a public statement. On Monday, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, a longtime friend of the pope, encouraged him to speak out, saying:
“We need men like him who are truly universal and not only one-sided.”
Paglia’s comments came during a Vatican press conference for the Pontifical Academy for Life, where Francis had written a message urging global cooperation against short-sighted national interests. The message was dated February 26 and signed “from Gemelli Polyclinic,” the hospital where he remains under treatment.
What Is Next for Pope Francis’ Medical Care?
Doctors continue to use noninvasive ventilation to assist Francis’ breathing and prevent the need for intubation, a more invasive procedure where a tube is placed down the throat. The Vatican has not disclosed whether Francis has given advance medical directives about the extent of life-sustaining measures he wishes to receive.
The Catholic Church’s stance on end-of-life care emphasizes the importance of providing ordinary medical care, such as hydration and nutrition, but allows the withdrawal of extraordinary treatments that merely prolong suffering.
In 2017, Francis himself addressed this ethical dilemma, telling Vatican bioethicists:
“There is no obligation to have recourse in all circumstances to every possible remedy. It is morally acceptable to withdraw overzealous treatment.”
If Francis’ condition worsens, the Vatican may face difficult decisions about how aggressively to continue treatment.
Historical Context: Pope Hospitalizations
While Pope Francis’ 17-day hospitalization is significant, it does not yet match the record set by St. John Paul II, who endured multiple long hospital stays throughout his 27-year papacy.
John Paul II’s longest single hospital stay occurred in 1981, when he spent 55 days at Gemelli Polyclinic following an assassination attempt and subsequent infection. As John Paul’s health declined in the early 2000s, he was frequently hospitalized for complications related to Parkinson’s disease and severe respiratory infections.
What Happens Next?
With Pope Francis still hospitalized, several key questions remain unanswered:
✔ Will he be able to recover without further medical setbacks?
✔ Will he resume public appearances, or continue to recover in private?
✔ How will his prolonged absence affect Vatican leadership and governance?
For now, the Vatican continues to downplay concerns, insisting that Francis remains mentally sharp and engaged. However, the repeated respiratory crises, reliance on ventilation support, and absence from public view raise significant concerns about his ability to return to full papal duties anytime soon.
Key Takeaways on Pope Francis’ Health
✔ Two severe respiratory crises required emergency intervention and ventilation support.
✔ Doctors removed large amounts of mucus via bronchoscopies.
✔ Pope is struggling to clear lung congestion on his own.
✔ He remains mentally alert but physically weak.
✔ No public photos or videos have been released in over two weeks.
✔ The Vatican insists there is no new infection, but concerns remain.
As the world watches, Pope Francis’ health battle serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of aging leadership—and the difficult choices ahead for the Catholic Church.
Vatican: Pope Francis
You must Register or Login to post a comment.