Pope Francis put on ventilator after worsening of condition

The Vatican have issued an update on the Pontiff's health.

Vatican News reported a worsening in the leader of the Catholic Church's respiratory condition following an isolated bronchospasm, leaving him needing a ventilator to help his breathing.

The update marks a sudden decline in Pope Francis' condition.

The 88-year-old had appeared to be recovering in hospital from double pneumonia.

On Friday, however, he vomited and suffered a constriction of the muscles in the walls of his bronchioles — the air tubes in the lungs — an event known as a bronchial spasm.

A statement posted by The Holy See Press Office reads: "The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm.

"This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition."

The statement continues: "The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.

"He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments.

"The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded. In the morning, he received the Eucharist."

Having been taken to Gemelli hospital in Rome two weeks ago with a bout of bronchitis which left him gasping for breath, Francis had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

He experienced a serious breathing crisis last Saturday, but since then his condition has gradually improved, with doctors reporting towards the end of the week that he was no longer considered to be in critical condition.

Last week, it was reported that the Pope's funeral was allegedly being rehearsed as fears grew.

Francis has, in recent weeks, moved to ‘tie up loose ends’ and ensure the continuation of his legacy at a politically sensitive time for the Catholic Church.  

On 6 February, before he was hospitalised, he extended the term of the Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals – a role that will oversee some preparations for a potential conclave, the secretive gathering that determines the selection of a new pope.

The move, which controversially sidestepped a scheduled vote on the next dean by top cardinals, was intended to ensure that the process plays out according to Francis’s wishes.