Pope Francis remains in a precarious condition after suffering two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, the Vatican has confirmed. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for 18 days with pneumonia, is alert but has resumed the use of mechanical ventilation to assist his breathing.
According to an update from the Holy See, doctors were compelled to intervene after the Pope struggled with mucus buildup in his lungs. Despite the severity of the situation, he remained conscious throughout the treatment and is reportedly focused and cooperative.
This latest health scare marks the third serious downturn in Pope Francis’ condition since his admission to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14. Last Friday, he experienced a separate breathing crisis that involved vomiting, though he responded positively to oxygen therapy. Over the weekend, Vatican officials had expressed cautious optimism, noting that he no longer required non-invasive mechanical ventilation and was managing with high-flow oxygen therapy. However, Monday’s relapse has necessitated a return to more intensive respiratory support.
The Pope’s illness has significantly disrupted his public schedule. For three consecutive weeks, he has been unable to deliver the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer in person. Instead, the Vatican has been publishing his written messages, which he reportedly prepared in advance. His latest message expressed gratitude to those praying for his recovery and appreciation for his medical team.
Due to his health struggles, Pope Francis will also miss the procession and Mass marking the first day of Lent this Wednesday. His absence has drawn hundreds of Catholics to St. Peter’s Square, where they continue to pray for his recovery. Many have expressed concern over his deteriorating health, acknowledging the possibility of a succession in the near future.
Pope Francis, who underwent a partial lung removal as a young man due to pleurisy, is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia. Vatican sources emphasize that his condition remains complex and that doctors remain cautious about his prognosis.
As Catholics around the world keep him in their prayers, the Vatican maintains that while he is stable for now, he is not out of danger.
