Pope Francis suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, according to a statement from the Vatican, as the Catholic Church leader continues to fight pneumonia.
“Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the statement read.
The Vatican further said that two bronchoscopies were performed on the Pope, who was also put back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
The pope’s prognosis remained “guarded”, per the statement, which indicates that he is not out of danger.
“The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the statement said.
It described the Pope’s clinical condition as “complex,” saying, “further crises such as those that occurred this afternoon are possible.”
The pope, 88, has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. He has not been seen in public since being admitted to the hospital last month.
His health has been up-and-down, according to regular updates from the Vatican.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care doctor at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, told The Associated Press the use of bronchoscopies on Monday suggested a worrying level of mucus and phlegm in the lungs.
“He’s taking little steps forward and then steps back,” said Coleman.
