"Complex picture"

Acute respiratory distress: Pope suffers another relapse

(Bild: AFP/TIZIANA FABI)

After a slight improvement, Pope Francis suffered two respiratory crises again on Monday. "The Holy Father suffered two cases of acute respiratory insufficiency today, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and a resulting bronchospasm," the Vatican said.

As a result, two bronchoscopies were performed, during which secretions had to be aspirated. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed in the afternoon. "The Holy Father remained awake and cooperative at all times. The prognosis remains guarded," the statement said.

As a result, concern is once again growing for the Pope, who had already suffered a respiratory crisis on Friday. Francis has now been in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for more than two weeks - longer than ever before during his almost twelve years in office. He is being treated in the hospital for bilateral pneumonia. He has not been seen in public since his admission.

Continued "complex clinical picture"
 On Friday, the Pope had another severe attack of breathlessness. He seemed to be unable to breathe. He was then mechanically ventilated. On Sunday, the Vatican announced that Francis was later no longer dependent on mechanical ventilation. He had only undergone oxygen therapy. However, the prognosis remains cautious in view of the "complex clinical picture", the statement continued.

Gänswein prays for Francis
Archbishop Georg Gänswein, a long-time confidant of Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI, says he prays for the pontiff every day. "Like millions of people around the world, I pray for his immediate recovery," explained Gänswein in an interview with the daily newspaper "La Repubblica".

"I turn to the Lord so that Francis' health is restored as quickly as possible and he can return to the leadership of the Church with more strength than before," said Gänswein. Francis ́ voice is not only "of crucial importance" for the Church and all Christians, said the 68-year-old.