Pope Francis experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday afternoon, according to an update from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff was receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where doctors intervened to clear mucus from his lungs. Given his past health issues, medical experts are proceeding with caution, despite his continued alertness and cooperation.
The head of the Catholic Church had been admitted on February 14 after suffering breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, his condition later worsened when he developed pneumonia in both lungs. Officials reported that on February 28, he endured an isolated episode of bronchospasm, which resulted in vomiting and necessitated non-invasive mechanical ventilation. After showing signs of improvement with high-flow oxygen therapy, the Pope resumed mechanical ventilation following Monday’s setbacks.
Throughout his hospital stay, Pope Francis has continued to fulfill some of his customary duties. He has been reading, signing documents, and making telephone calls, although he has not been able to greet the public in person. Instead, written communications from his hospital room have informed the faithful. In one update, the pontiff thanked supporters for their prayers and acknowledged the care provided by his medical team. He also confirmed that he would miss the procession and mass marking the start of Lent this week.
Recently, hundreds of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery. The assembled crowd, which included local priests, nuns, and pilgrims attending the Jubilee year, was led by an American cardinal. The atmosphere was one of deep concern and yet measured hope for the enduring leader of the Catholic Church.
Top Vatican officials, including Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, have paid visits to monitor his progress. Despite these recent respiratory setbacks, the Vatican maintains that the Pope’s condition remains stable and that he continues to improve, even as his overall prognosis is described as reserved. His longstanding respiratory challenges—exacerbated by a partial lung removal in his youth—render him particularly vulnerable to infections like pneumonia. Health experts and church officials continue to monitor his recovery closely.
