“Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Vatican said in a statement released that evening.
The Pope, who has been in hospital since February 14, was put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis, and the Ashes captain Ben Stokes and Pat Cummins.Credit: Getty Images
Despite the acute breathing difficulties, the Pope remained alert and co-operated fully with doctors, the Holy See said.
The latest respiratory crisis appeared to be another significant setback in the Pope’s attempts to recover from bronchitis and pneumonia in both lungs.
He has not been seen in public since being admitted to hospital more than two weeks ago. Nor has the Vatican released any photographs or video of him.
Although he has been taken to hospital in the past, this is the longest absence from public life during his 12-year-long papacy and there is speculation that he might resign or that the end of his life is approaching.
The Telegraph
