Pope Francis Remains Stable After Health Scare, Vatican Confirms

Pope Francis continues to show stability following two episodes of respiratory failure, as the Vatican updates on his health status amid ongoing hospital treatment for pneumonia.

Pope Francis is holding steady after facing two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday, according to the Vatican's latest updates. The papal health report confirmed that the Pope remains stable, having not experienced any additional episodes of respiratory distress or bronchospasm. "He remained afebrile, always alert, cooperative with therapies and well-oriented," the Vatican's statement detailed.

The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized since mid-February, initially receiving treatment for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs. Following the episodes on Monday, the pontiff began utilizing both an oxygen mask and a ventilator to aid his breathing—a method he has now resumed again after a previous reliance on the ventilator due to an isolated breathing crisis earlier in the week.

As part of his recovery process, the Holy See noted that Pope Francis switched back to high-flow oxygen therapy and spent his day blending prayer with rest, and he participated in receiving the Eucharist in the morning. Sadly, due to his health concerns, the Pope will miss the Ash Wednesday procession and mass, marking the beginning of Lent, as he has also not been able to deliver his customary Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square for the last three Sundays.

The Pope was first admitted to the hospital on February 14, having faced increasing difficulty with his breathing. His history with lung issues, stemming from a previous case of pleurisy and a partial lung removal in his youth, makes him especially vulnerable to pneumonia, which can develop from various pathogens.

While there is cautious optimism regarding his condition, Vatican officials emphasize that the Pope's health remains complex and he is not yet out of danger.