Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, marking his longest hospital stay since he became pontiff in 2013. As of late Monday evening, no information has been provided about the expected duration of his hospitalization.

According to the latest health bulletin, the Pope has experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure due to a significant accumulation of bronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.

Two bronchoscopies were performed, necessitating the aspiration of abundant secretions.

Mechanical ventilation has been reinstated, utilizing a non-invasive oxygen mask.

Since his initial hospitalization for bronchitis, the Pope has faced several health alerts.

On February 22, he suffered a prolonged asthmatic crisis that required high-flow oxygen through nasal cannulas.

This was followed on February 28 by an isolated bronchospasm episode that resulted in vomiting and a sudden deterioration of his respiratory condition, described as a "very bad sign".

The Vatican indicated that the Pope has remained alert, oriented, and cooperative during this latest health crisis.

A Vatican source remarked, "There are highs and lows" in his condition.

Medical experts have commented on the seriousness of the Pope's condition.

Hervé Pegliasco, head of pulmonology at the European Hospital in Marseille, stated that being 88 years old and hospitalized for an extended period with bilateral bronchopulmonary infection is significant.

He noted that the Pope faces increased effort to breathe, contributing to a state of exhaustion.

Bruno Crestani, head of the pulmonology department at Bichat Hospital in Paris, echoed these sentiments, describing the Pope's repeated episodes of respiratory distress as a concerning indicator of his health status at his advanced age.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis has continued to receive visits from close collaborators within his medical apartment on the hospital's 10th floor, including Italy's Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Edgar Peña Parra, both high-ranking officials within the Holy See.

This latest hospitalization comes amid a backdrop of ongoing health issues that have affected the pontiff in recent years, including surgeries on his colon and abdomen, difficulty walking, and weight-related issues leading him to use a wheelchair since 2022. Additionally, as a young man, he nearly lost his life to pleurisy, which resulted in the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung.

The Pope’s advanced age, along with his previous health complications, has sparked discussions regarding his ability to fulfill his papal duties and raised questions about the potential for his resignation.

Canon law lacks specific provisions outlining succession in the event of serious health issues affecting a Pope's cognitive capabilities.