In the evening, news arrived of a worsening of the Pontiff’s health conditions, who had an isolated respiratory crisis.

Pope Francis “in the early afternoon, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which, however, caused an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture”. The Vatican press office communicated this. Bergoglio “was promptly bronchoaspirated and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchanges”. The Pontiff “always remained alert and oriented, collaborating in the therapeutic manoeuvres. The prognosis, therefore, remains reserved. In the morning, he received the Eucharist”.

Commenting on the evaluations of the doctors treating Bergoglio, Vatican sources clarify that “24-48 hours are necessary to evaluate whether today’s crisis has caused a worsening of his conditions”. The crisis, a Vatican source says, “was different from last Saturday’s” it comes after a previous positive assessment of the Pope’s condition: doctors had spoken of a slight improvement, underlining that Bergoglio’s kidney failure had resolved. Pope Francis is not intubated but has a mask that helps him breathe. He is, therefore, being helped to breathe for the first time by mechanical, non-invasive ventilation.