CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by a buildup of mucus and resulting bronchospasm, the Holy See Press Office reported March 3.
The Holy Father has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 due to a severe respiratory infection and double pneumonia.
Doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear the mucus buildup, and the Pope resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation in the afternoon, according to the evening report from the press office. As CatholicVote previously reported, he has needed supplemental oxygenation since experiencing an isolated bronchospasm Feb. 28.
The Holy See Press Office said that Pope Francis remained “alert, oriented, and cooperative” throughout Monday’s procedures but “the prognosis remains guarded.”
CatholicVote reported Monday morning that the Pope had “slept well throughout the night” at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, after attending Mass on Sunday with his caretakers at the hospital.