Pope Francis was put on a ventilator on Friday at Gemelli Hospital in Rome as he continues to suffer from bilateral pneumonia, with his “respiratory condition worsening.”
He was first admitted to the hospital on February 14.
The pope took a turn for the worse after an “isolated bronchospasm,” which prompted the medical ventilation treatment. The Vatican said he responded well to being put on the ventilator.
“Always alert and oriented, he cooperated with therapeutic maneuvers,” said the Vatican.
He was alternately undergoing respiratory physiotherapy and taking breaks in the chapel to pray on Friday morning, when the bronchospasm struck.
“This led to an episode of vomiting with aspiration and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition,” wrote the Vatican.
“The prognosis, therefore, remains reserved.”
Pope Francis received the Eucharist on Friday.