By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Pope Francis has had an “isolated breathing crisis” in hospital, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.
The Vatican said on Friday the breathing crisis led to “an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture.”
“The Holy Father promptly underwent bronchoaspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange. The Holy Father remained alert and oriented at all times,” the Vatican added.
A Vatican official who requested anonymity told the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity that the pope’s breathing issues on Friday did not last long.
The official added that the pope’s doctors are expected to take 24-48 hours to evaluate how the episode will impact the state of his clinical condition.
However, his doctors’ prognosis remains guarded.
Francis is spending his 13th night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is said to be eating normally and fulfilling some work duties. A Vatican official said he had been inundated with letters and cards wishing him well.
Nightly prayer vigils for the pope’s health are continuing to take place at St Peter’s basilica, in towns and cities across Italy and abroad.
Vigils have also been held outside the Gemelli, which has long been the preferred hospital for pontiffs.
Francis was admitted to hospital on 14 February and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs.
He is prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed while he was training to be a priest in his native Argentina.