Pope Francis health fears after experiencing two respiratory failures on Monday

Ongoing setbacks in Pope Francis’ recovery from double pneumonia have doctors saying they are ‘guarded’ about his prognosis.

Pope Francis at the Vatican earlier this year. Picture: AFP.

Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, raising fears about his immediate health.

The 88-year-old pontiff has had a health rollercoaster in the past week, appearing to slowly recover from double pneumonia only to then experience intermittent periods of respiratory distress.

Statement from the Holy See Press Office pic.twitter.com/tEfyIWFpox

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 3, 2025

But the double attack on Monday, caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm, has shown the Holy Father is not out of the woods by any stretch, some two and a half weeks after being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for treatment.

The Vatican said on Monday night that doctors performed two bronchoscopies before resuming non-invasive mechanical ventilation in the afternoon.

The Vatican said: “The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative throughout. The prognosis remains guarded.”

Francis, leader of the world’s almost 1.4 billion Catholics, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it soon developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

Ten days ago the Vatican reported he was in a “critical” condition, suffering a major respiratory attack and requiring blood transfusions, prompting widespread concern.

Throughout the week it described a series of incremental improvements, but then on Friday, there was more alarming news.

Francis “presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which … led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture”, the Vatican said.

His doctors said it would take 24 to 48 hours to see if this had worsened his condition or not.