Pope's Respiratory Condition Worsens

Doctors treating Pope Francis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital reported Friday evening that the Pontiff’s respiratory condition worsened after an isolated bronchospasm.

Bronchospasm is the narrowing of the airways which can make breathing difficult and can be triggered by various factors, such as respiratory infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke or pollution.
In response, Pope Francis was placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which helped improve his oxygen levels.

Medical staff, it added, promptly performed bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and initiated non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
Despite the setback, the Pope has remained alert, aware, and cooperative with his treatment.

Doctors indicated that they will require about 24 to 48 hours to assess the Pope’s clinical condition following this sudden change in condition.