Pope’s Recovery: Coffee Break After Setback

After the Friday afternoon episode, doctors indicated that it would take a day or two to evaluate the impact on Pope Francis’ overall clinical condition. His prognosis remained guarded, signifying that he was still in a critical state.

In the morning update on Saturday, the Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pope did not experience any further respiratory crises overnight: “The night has passed quietly, the pope is resting.” He had coffee for breakfast, indicating that he was not reliant on a ventilation mask to breathe and was able to eat on his own.

In the late Friday update, the Vatican disclosed that Francis had suffered an “isolated crisis of bronchial spasm,” involving a coughing fit that led to the inhalation of vomit. This resulted in a sudden deterioration in his respiratory condition. Doctors performed aspiration to clear the vomit and placed Francis on noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Despite the episode, the pope remained conscious and alert, cooperated with the medical procedures, and responded well with a good level of oxygen exchange. He continued to wear a mask to receive supplemental oxygen, according to the Vatican.

This setback on Friday marked a reversal in the positive trend of reports from doctors at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14. Francis, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, was admitted due to worsening bronchitis that developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

Doctors express concern over the episode

The Vatican clarified that the recent episode differed from the previous respiratory crisis on February 22, which had caused discomfort to Francis.

Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, emphasized the alarming nature of the isolated episode on Friday. He highlighted Francis’ fragility, stating that his condition could deteriorate rapidly.

Dr. William Feldman, a pulmonary specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, noted that while it was positive that the pope remained alert during the episode, it still marked a concerning turn in his health.

Types of noninvasive ventilation include a BiPAP machine, which assists in breathing by delivering air into the lungs. Doctors often utilize this method to improve blood gas levels and potentially transition back to using oxygen alone.

Friday’s statement indicated that Francis responded well to the gas exchange facilitated by the ventilation, offering some reassurance amidst the ongoing medical challenges.

While doctors refrained from categorizing Francis as being in “critical condition,” they reiterated that he remains in a precarious state due to the complexities of his case.