When the pope inhaled a large amount of mucus, it worsened his ongoing battle with a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia that has been going for two weeks, according to Newsweek. The Vatican said there was a "significant buildup" of mucus in his lungs along with spasms in his bronchial tubes.
"Two bronchoscopies were conducted to remove large amounts of secretions," the Vatican’s statement explained.
The pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a complex lung infection, but the Vatican has not released any images or videos of the pope. While medical updates have been issued twice daily, Francis has continued signing official documents with "From Gemelli Polyclinic," indicating he is still working.
While the Vatican has supported his decision to recover privately, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia publicly encouraged Francis to speak out on Monday, emphasizing the importance of hearing his voice.
Despite these health setbacks, Francis has remained alert, responsive, and cooperative with doctors, though his recovery timeline is still uncertain.
Pope Francis set out a public message after Vatican officials pushed him to have more people see him in the public eye as he is recovering.
