Pope Francis had two episodes of ‘acute respiratory insufficiency’, Vatican says

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VATICAN CITY, March 3 (Reuters) – Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday and required the use of non-invasive, mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.

Francis has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for more than two weeks. He was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

Pope Francis had rested well overnight and is in a stable condition as he fights double pneumonia in hospital for the 18th day, the Vatican said on Monday.

The Vatican had previously stated on Sunday evening that the 88-year-old pontiff no longer required the use of mechanical ventilation to breathe and had been without a fever.