Concerning news is emerging from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital about Pope Francis. Mario Bergoglio (88) has suffered a respiratory crisis, and the next few hours will be critical in determining the severity of this setback. The Holy See’s press office confirmed the development and released the following statement.
"This afternoon, after a morning alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm, which led to vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. The Holy Father was quickly treated with bronchial aspiration, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation was initiated, showing a good response," reads the first part of the statement.
Pope Francis, who received the Eucharist earlier this morning, has remained conscious and "lucid and alert at all times, cooperating with treatment." According to the statement, his condition remains uncertain, and doctors will need 24 to 48 hours to assess his overall health following this bronchospasm episode. For now, the crisis appears to be an isolated incident and came just hours after reports indicated he had moved past the critical phase.
This crisis, which for now appears to be isolated, occurred just hours after it was reported that Pope Francis—who has remained in good spirits throughout—had moved past the critical phase. In fact, a CT scan performed on Tuesday afternoon showed normal progress. The news was met with great joy by the faithful, who gather each night in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to pray the rosary and ask for his recovery.
During these two weeks, the Supreme Pontiff has not only focused on his recovery but has also signed several appointments and canonization decrees. This period of uncertainty coincides with a time of change at the Vatican, where, for the first time, a woman—Sister Raffaella Petrini—has been appointed president of the Governorate.
She will officially take on her new role on March 1. As of Saturday, she will become the second-highest authority in the country’s executive branch, succeeding Spanish Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, who is 80 years old and one of 14 Spanish cardinals currently serving at the Holy See.