Pope Francis remains in critical condition after experiencing two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, forcing doctors to perform emergency procedures to clear his airways, the Vatican announced.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, was reportedly alert and cooperative following the latest health crisis but has resumed the use of an oxygen mask.
New Health Setback for Pope Francis
According to the Vatican’s statement, Francis suffered a buildup of mucus in his lungs, leading to bronchospasms—a condition that restricts airflow and can be life-threatening. Doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear his lungs, marking another setback in his battle with pneumonia and respiratory complications.
Despite minor improvements last week, the pope’s prognosis remains “reserved”, meaning doctors are unable to predict whether his condition will stabilize.
On Friday and Saturday, the pope had already required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, signaling a growing concern over his lung function.
Vatican Issues Cautious Update
The Vatican’s latest evening update confirmed that, despite these complications, the pope is alert, focused, and engaged with his aides. Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, two of the Vatican’s top officials, visited Francis over the weekend.
The pope also sent a message of gratitude to his supporters, thanking them for their prayers.
“I feel all your affection and closeness, and at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people,” Francis said in a statement released in place of his usual Sunday Angelus prayer.
Concerns Over Long-Term Recovery
While Francis continues to work from his hospital suite on Gemelli’s 10th floor, Vatican officials and medical experts warn that his recovery could be lengthy. Given his history of colon surgery, hernia operations, and chronic knee and hip pain, some Vatican observers have speculated whether the pope will consider stepping down.
Francis has previously stated that he would resign if he became physically incapable of fulfilling his duties, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013.
However, before his current hospitalization, Francis dismissed the idea of resigning, insisting that he could still perform his papal functions.
With a packed schedule ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year, Vatican officials will now have to determine whether Francis will be able to fully resume his duties—or if the Church will have to prepare for a transition in leadership.
