It's not the first time the Pope has struggled with a lung infection, but this time it's slightly more persistent, requiring long-term hospitalization and causing fear for his health.
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Since the 18th of February, Pope Francis has been in hospital, making no public appearances. He was first admitted due to a serious bout of double pneumonia. However, this has developed into further, more serious complications.
A statement released by the Vatican has revealed that the "Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus."
As well as acute respiratory insufficiencies, it has been reported that he suffered from a bronchospasm, which is similar to an asthma attack. This required the evaluation of his air passages. The pope's health has not appeared to improve in the past few days.
Pope Francis Requiring Breathing Apparatus Due To Lung Health
The prognosis for the Pope is currently considered guarded. This means he isn't out of danger quite yet, and further hospitalization is required. As a result, he has been placed on a non-invasive breathing apparatus to keep oxygen pumping into his lungs.
The Pope often suffers from ill lung health around the winter period. As a younger man, he recovered from pluracy, and part of one lung was removed. Due to this, he often experiences lung infections. The winter cold only adds to the risk.
However, this year, the health of the Pope has declined further than usual. Of course, he is under the watchful eye of the best doctors the Vatican can muster. He also has the prayers of the millions of Catholics worldwide backing him up.
At present, it is unclear how long Pope Francis will remain in the hospital. This marks the longest period he has been out of the public eye since his accession to papal power in 2013. Earlier in his hospitalization, he had been performing a number of his papal duties, even making jovial statements. However, as his breathing and lung issues have worsened, he has disappeared.
Pope Francis is currently 88 years old and has been in power for almost 15 years.
