Pope suffers breathing crisis amid pneumonia battle: Vatican
Pope Francis’ Health Update: Condition Worsens but Responding Well
Pope Francis’ condition took a turn for the worse after experiencing a bronchospasm that led to vomiting and inhalation, the Vatican announced. Following the episode, the pope was placed on non-invasive ventilation and is reportedly responding well to treatment. He is currently breathing with the assistance of a mask that covers his nose and mouth, but is not intubated.
Despite the concerning episode, Vatican sources reported that the pope remained alert and oriented throughout the day. However, medical professionals are still monitoring his condition closely to assess the impact of the recent setback.
Before the incident, Pope Francis spent his morning engaged in prayer and respiratory physiotherapy. He also received the Eucharist as part of his daily routine.
A woman places a rosary at the statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, Feb. 22, 2025. (REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri)
Pope Francis’ Health Status and Prognosis: Doctor’s Update
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for nearly three weeks, and this recent incident is not his first since admission. Over the weekend, he experienced difficulty breathing and had an isolated episode of coughing and vomiting. However, he is now using a different mask and his breathing has stabilized.
Pope Francis waves from his popemobile after the weekly Angelus prayers, at the Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican on October 20, 2024. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty)
Crowds Gather in St. Peter’s Square to Pray for Pope Francis
At the National Prayer Breakfast earlier today, Vice President JD Vance spoke about Pope Francis and offered a prayer for his recovery. Despite their political differences, Vance expressed his daily prayers for the pontiff’s well-being and invited attendees to join him in praying for the pope’s health.
Vance recalled a poignant moment when Pope Francis stood in an empty Saint Peter’s Square during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding the Eucharist and delivering a sermon that deeply resonated with him. He shared excerpts from the pope’s homily in March 2020, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the pontiff’s actions.
The Pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 with pneumonia and a bronchial infection. Candles with the pictures of him are the laid under the statue of late Pope John Paul II in Rome on Feb. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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The pope has been vocal in his criticisms of the Trump administration, as acknowledged by Vice President Vance. Earlier this month, Pope Francis condemned the administration’s mass deportation plans for migrants, warning of dire consequences.
