The health of Pope Francis has taken a turn for the worse. His medical team has issued a statement indicating that he has breathing challenges.
The 88-year-old Pontiff had been admitted to a hospital in Rome for pneumonia 16 days ago.
He was showing signs of recovery in recent days, however, the medical staff said he was struggling with breathing problems.
The Pope, they said, also had “an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.
“He then received aspiration to help remove the vomit from his airways, which was followed by “non-invasive mechanical ventilation,” the Vatican said.
Francis “has remained alert and well-oriented” and is continuing his treatments, the statement said.
Friday’s news followed three days of more positive updates, with the Vatican saying previously that the pope had been showing a “slight improvement” as he fights what has been termed a “complex” infection caused by two or more micro-organisms.
Meanwhile, prayers were held in Rome and around the world for his health condition to improve. Additional reporting- Reuters
