Pope Francis’s Condition Stable After Respiratory Crisis, Vatican Says

Pope Francis remains in stable condition after a respiratory crisis needing non-invasive ventilation, though his prognosis remains guarded, the Vatican says.

Pope Francis speaks during the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Feb. 12, 2025. Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Pope Francis was in stable condition on Saturday following a respiratory crisis on Friday that required him to undergo non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican has announced, adding that his prognosis remains guarded.

In a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office on March 1, Vatican officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff continues to receive non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation to support his breathing.

The pope is reportedly maintaining a “good response” to the ventilation and supplemental oxygenation, and has not experienced any further episodes of bronchospasm since Friday’s incident. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is typically administered through a face mask, nasal mask, or helmet, as opposed to invasive ventilation done by inserting a breathing tube into the lungs.

The pontiff’s “clinical condition remains stable,” the statement reads. “He does not have a fever and shows no leukocytosis [high white blood cell count]. His haemodynamic parameters have always remained stable; he has continued [to] eat on his own and has regularly undergone respiratory physiotherapy, in which he cooperates actively.”

Despite his frail condition, the pope remains mentally alert, with Vatican officials confirming that he received the Eucharist on Saturday afternoon and later devoted himself to prayer. His condition, however, remains complex, and doctors continue to monitor him closely.

“The prognosis remains guarded,” the Holy See Press Office stated, adding that the pope remains in good humor despite suffering from pneumonia in both lungs.

The latest update follows an earlier statement from the Holy See Press Office on Saturday morning, which noted that the pope had experienced a restful night. Vatican officials also stated that he had eaten breakfast, enjoyed a coffee, and read the newspapers.

The pope’s health deteriorated sharply on Friday when he suffered an isolated bronchospasm, causing him to vomit and aspirate fluids, which worsened his condition. Doctors intervened with bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and initiated non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The treatment helped stabilize his oxygen levels, though medical experts expressed caution regarding his recovery.

The recent respiratory crisis marks the latest in a series of health struggles for the pontiff, who was hospitalized nearly three weeks ago with pneumonia in both lungs. On Feb. 18, the Vatican described his condition as “complex” based on laboratory tests, thoracic X-rays, and clinical assessments. By Feb. 22, officials stated that he remained in critical condition and was “not out of danger.”

The pontiff’s respiratory challenges are further complicated by his medical history. As a young man, he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung following a severe pulmonary infection. Since then, he has been prone to recurring bouts of bronchitis, particularly during colder months.

As concerns over the pope’s health mount, global leaders and religious figures have continued to offer prayers and well wishes.