Pope Francis has suffered a troubling health setback, raising fresh concerns over his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church. On Friday, the 88-year-old pontiff experienced a bronchial crisis—an isolated bronchospasm that triggered vomiting and partial inhalation, worsening his already fragile condition.
The Vatican confirmed the incident in an official statement, noting that his respiratory struggles escalated shortly after the episode. This alarming development comes just a day after officials claimed Francis was no longer in critical condition.
Statement from the Holy See Press Officehttps://t.co/juLiScN3YC pic.twitter.com/pyfKX6ZaxA
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) February 28, 2025
Longest Hospital Stay Since Becoming Pope
Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14, battling bilateral pneumonia—a severe lung infection that stemmed from a respiratory tract issue. This marks his longest hospital stay since assuming the papacy in 2013.
The New York Times provides further details on the immediate response to the latest medical developments:
Doctors said it would take 24 to 48 hours to determine whether the crisis has worsened the condition of the pope, who was being treated for pneumonia in both lungs and infections, the Vatican said. His doctors have always said that the pope is not out of danger, and that the overall the situation is complex.
The bronchial crisis on Friday afternoon was an isolated incident, the Vatican said. It said that as a result, he required “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” — meaning he was not intubated, which requires sedation.
Francis is now using a mask covering his mouth and nose to help him breathe. The Vatican said Francis was cooperating “with therapeutic maneuvers,” and was in “good spirits.”
However, at 88, concerns over the pope’s long-term ability to lead the Church are growing.
Just to put this in perspective: he is alert, responsive, and in good spirits. The episode was isolated and he recovered. But it’s a setback. As the doctors warned us, there would be good and bad days. I was getting too confident. Please keep
— Austen Ivereigh (@austeni) February 28, 2025
up prayers. https://t.co/wUHv5DJxLg
While the Vatican has downplayed the severity of his condition at times, Friday’s complication underscores the very real health challenges facing Francis and the future of his papacy.
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