Pope Francis is back on a ventilator after suffering ‘two respiratory failures’ as Pontiff’s health rollercoaster continues

Pope Francis has today been put back on ventilation after suffering two new episodes of respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

Following a weekend where the Pontiff, 88, ‘rested well’ after suffering a coughing fit on Friday evening, the Vatican have announced that the Pope’s health has today worsened. 

Francis reportedly suffered two episodes of respiratory crisis today caused by a ‘significant’ amount of mucus accumulation in his lungs and bronchial spasms. 

The Pope reportedly inhaled ‘copious’ amounts of mucus but remained alert, oriented and cooperated with medical personnel.

‘Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,’ this evening’s statement from the Vatican read.

‘Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.

‘In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times. 

‘The prognosis remains guarded.’ 

The latest setback in the Pontiff’s battle against pneumonia in both lungs comes as he endures his seventeenth day at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

After suffering a ‘coughing fit’ in which he inhaled vomit on Friday evening, the Pope’s condition improved over the weekend, with him being taken off ventilation yesterday evening. 

The Vatican too announced that the Pontiff had ‘slept well through the night’ on Sunday evening, ‘had breakfast and began the day’s therapies.’

Pope Francis also issued a message from hospital earlier today after Vatican officials urged him to let his voice be heard amid his ongoing troubles with his health. 

The Pope addressed what he called a ‘planetary crisis’ in a letter to the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life following a cry from one of his closest friends, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, earlier today. 

While trying to maintain neutrality, the Pope has repeatedly called for peace between Ukraine and Russia as well as attempting to achieve a similar balancing act for Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. 

It was announced last week that despite his serious illness, Francis has continued his daily contact with Gaza’s only Catholic church via phone call. 

Well-wishers around the world continue to pray the Pope’s good health, with a daily vigil service going ahead at 8pm (GMT) each evening at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

At every service, Cardinals have read the Rosary Prayer with thousands gathering in the square to pray and sing hymns together.

Crowds have also been congregating outside the ward where Francis is receiving treatment in Rome, placing flowers and praying around a statue of the late Pope John Paul II which has been illuminated while the current leader of the Catholic Church battles his illness.