Pope Francis hospitalized again, returns to noninvasive ventilation after respiratory crisis

Pope Francis experienced two acute respiratory crises on Monday, leading to his re-admittance to noninvasive mechanical ventilation as he continues to battle pneumonia. Doctors performed bronchoscopies to remove significant amounts of mucus from his lungs, which was a reaction to his ongoing pneumonia rather than a new infection. The Vatican reported that while the pope was alert and cooperating with medical staff, his overall prognosis remains guarded. These recent episodes follow a series of lung-related health issues that have persisted for over two weeks. Medical experts noted that the need for bronchoscopies indicates a concerning level of mucus accumulation, suggesting he is struggling to clear secretions independently. Despite these challenges, the Vatican has defended Francis's decision to recover privately, as he has not made public appearances during this period.