Pope Francis has been put on a ventilator after suffering from two "acute respiratory insufficiency" episodes earlier today.
In an update, the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old was placed on a non-invasion, mechanical ventilator.
The Holy City revealed the update came after a build up of mucus in the airways of the Pope's lungs.
“Today, the Holy Father presented two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," the Vatican said.
“Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed with the need for aspiration of abundant secretions. In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed.
“The Holy Father has always remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative. The prognosis remains reserved.”
Pope Francis entered hospital on February 14 and the Vatican has kept people update to date with his health.
However, no photos or videos of Francis have been shared with his complex lung infection.
The 88-year-old's weekend stint in hospital ensured he missed his third consecutive Sunday Angelus prayer session in person.
Doctors on Saturday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no mention of him being critical.
The Pope, who has spent four stints in hospital since his 2013 election., is not expected to make a long-awaited return to his homeland.
The Argentine Pontiff has made 45 international trips, including historic first visits to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Bahrain, and Mongolia.
Commenting on the prospect of the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires returning to Argentina, Francis, Pope of Good Promise author Jimmy Burns said: “Any visit would try and be exploited by one side or the other, and he would unwittingly fuel those divisions.”
Guillermo Marco, former spokesperson for the pope when he was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, added: "He would have liked to (come) if he could have made a simple trip, let's say, where he came to visit the people he loves and, I don't know, celebrate a mass for the people.
"But he is fully aware there is a whole network of supporters and detractors who are fighting over him."
Francis had wanted to return to Argentina before the end of his time as the Pontiff, telling journalists that “they are my people”.
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In an update, the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old was placed on a non-invasion, mechanical ventilator.
The Holy City revealed the update came after a build up of mucus in the airways of the Pope's lungs.
“Today, the Holy Father presented two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," the Vatican said.
“Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed with the need for aspiration of abundant secretions. In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed.
“The Holy Father has always remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative. The prognosis remains reserved.”
Pope Francis entered hospital on February 14 and the Vatican has kept people update to date with his health.
However, no photos or videos of Francis have been shared with his complex lung infection.
The 88-year-old's weekend stint in hospital ensured he missed his third consecutive Sunday Angelus prayer session in person.
Doctors on Saturday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no mention of him being critical.
The Pope, who has spent four stints in hospital since his 2013 election., is not expected to make a long-awaited return to his homeland.
The Argentine Pontiff has made 45 international trips, including historic first visits to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Bahrain, and Mongolia.
Commenting on the prospect of the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires returning to Argentina, Francis, Pope of Good Promise author Jimmy Burns said: “Any visit would try and be exploited by one side or the other, and he would unwittingly fuel those divisions.”
Guillermo Marco, former spokesperson for the pope when he was Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, added: "He would have liked to (come) if he could have made a simple trip, let's say, where he came to visit the people he loves and, I don't know, celebrate a mass for the people.
"But he is fully aware there is a whole network of supporters and detractors who are fighting over him."
Francis had wanted to return to Argentina before the end of his time as the Pontiff, telling journalists that “they are my people”.
Find Out More...