The Pope has 'isolated' breathing crisis in hospital

He is like part of the family,

said Araceli Gutiérrez, who treasures the time she saw the pope during his trip to the country of nearly 100 million Catholics in 2016.

That’s like having a relative within the higher-ups, with God,

she said

The trajectory we're seeing with the Pope is not uncommon: where he has a good day, then develops a secondary infection and a setback,

says Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, associate professor of medicine and a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Johns Hopkins to Time

This afternoon, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father presented an isolated attack of bronchospasm which, however, led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition."

Vatican insiders detailed the alarming episode, stating

The Holy Father was promptly aspirated and started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange,

the sources confirmed

If the pope survives, many imagine that he will want to finish the Jubilee year, but that afterward, when he is 89, he will face the question of whether or not to resign,

Italian Vatican expert Marco Politi told AFP

It is hard to imagine Francis resuming his activities at the same pace after such an alarm,

said a Vatican source on condition of anonymity

There would inevitably be a transition period,

the source added