VATICAN CITY: The health of Pope Francis, the religious leader of Catholic Christians, has deteriorated once again, after which he has been transferred to a ventilator again.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis had faced severe breathing difficulties twice yesterday, after which doctors had to intervene to clear mucus from his lungs.
The Vatican further says that Pope Francis was fully conscious during the stages of medical assistance, and the 88-year-old Pope Francis has needed to use an oxygen mask and a ventilator to help him breathe.
This is the third time that Pope Francis’ condition has deteriorated seriously, when he was admitted to the hospital 18 days ago for treatment for pneumonia.
The Vatican said Pope Francis responded well to oxygen therapy and said on Sunday that he no longer needed a ventilator, only high-flow oxygen therapy, but that he needed it after the difficulties he experienced yesterday.
Pope Francis has been unable to recite his traditional Angelus prayer live for three weeks due to illness, and the Vatican has published his written messages, which were sent from his hospital room. In the message, Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers and thanked his medical staff.
Pope Francis will also miss the presbytery and Mass to mark the beginning of the Chalice tomorrow.
