Vatican updates on Pope Francis' health following recent complications as supporters gather to pray for his recovery
Pope Francis Remains Alert After Acute Respiratory Crisis
Pope Francis Remains Alert After Acute Respiratory Crisis
Pontiff suffers breathing episodes but keeps spirits high during hospitalization
According to an official Vatican report, Pope Francis is currently alert after experiencing two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday afternoon. Medical staff had to step in to clear mucus from the pontiff's lungs, although he remained conscious and aware throughout the incident. The 88-year-old Pope has resumed the use of an oxygen mask and ventilator to aid his breathing, yet he is described as being “alert, focused, and cooperative.” This marks the third major health setback for the Pope since his hospitalization 18 days ago due to pneumonia.
Last Friday, he endured an "isolated" breathing incident that included vomiting. Following treatment, Vatican officials indicated that he improved with oxygen therapy, stating on Sunday that he no longer required "non-invasive mechanical ventilation, only high-flow oxygen therapy." However, after the recent setbacks, he is now back on mechanical ventilation. This ongoing health battle has prevented him from delivering his customary Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks, with the Vatican releasing written comments shared from his hospital room.
In those notes, the Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers he has received as well as appreciation for the medical team caring for him. He will also be absent from the procession and mass this Wednesday, which initiates the Lenten season, a significant period leading to Easter.
Outside St. Peter’s Square, around hundreds of Catholics congregated on the evening of Monday to pray for the Pope’s well-being. Many, adorned with rosary beads, moved towards the Basilica, guided by an American cardinal. Javier, a Romanian priest among those gathered, shared his concern: "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried." Meanwhile, Patricia, a Spanish Catholic, added, "He's really opened the doors of the church to many. I think they will look for a more conservative pope next, to stop the change."
As supporters visited the Gemelli hospital in Rome to pray for the Pope's recovery, they hoped for a brief sighting of him waving from a window, an event witnessed in the past. Despite the Vatican's assurance of stable condition, Pope Francis remains too unwell to greet the crowds below. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 after facing prolonged breathing difficulties, he was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Having faced pleurisy in his youth and having undergone partial lung removal, the Pope remains particularly vulnerable to pneumonia. Medical sources from the Vatican maintain that his condition is complex and caution still persists regarding his health prognosis.
Last Friday, he endured an "isolated" breathing incident that included vomiting. Following treatment, Vatican officials indicated that he improved with oxygen therapy, stating on Sunday that he no longer required "non-invasive mechanical ventilation, only high-flow oxygen therapy." However, after the recent setbacks, he is now back on mechanical ventilation. This ongoing health battle has prevented him from delivering his customary Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks, with the Vatican releasing written comments shared from his hospital room.
In those notes, the Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers he has received as well as appreciation for the medical team caring for him. He will also be absent from the procession and mass this Wednesday, which initiates the Lenten season, a significant period leading to Easter.
Outside St. Peter’s Square, around hundreds of Catholics congregated on the evening of Monday to pray for the Pope’s well-being. Many, adorned with rosary beads, moved towards the Basilica, guided by an American cardinal. Javier, a Romanian priest among those gathered, shared his concern: "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried." Meanwhile, Patricia, a Spanish Catholic, added, "He's really opened the doors of the church to many. I think they will look for a more conservative pope next, to stop the change."
As supporters visited the Gemelli hospital in Rome to pray for the Pope's recovery, they hoped for a brief sighting of him waving from a window, an event witnessed in the past. Despite the Vatican's assurance of stable condition, Pope Francis remains too unwell to greet the crowds below. Admitted to the hospital on February 14 after facing prolonged breathing difficulties, he was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Having faced pleurisy in his youth and having undergone partial lung removal, the Pope remains particularly vulnerable to pneumonia. Medical sources from the Vatican maintain that his condition is complex and caution still persists regarding his health prognosis.
