Vatican update: Pope in stable condition, no new respiratory attacks
Pope Francis remains in stable condition with no new bronchospasm episodes after struggling with respiratory attacks last week.
The 88-year-old pontiff alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and supplemental high-flow oxygenation while maintaining good gas exchange. He has no fever, shows normal white blood cell count, and continues to eat independently while actively participating in respiratory physiotherapy, according to the latest update from Vatican News.
Newsweek reached out to the Vatican via email on Saturday for comment.
What To Know
The Pope has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 with a severe lung infection, exacerbated by a preexisting chronic lung condition.
His condition worsened on Friday due to a bronchial spasm that caused him to inhale vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Following this procedure, his gas exchange values returned to pre-episode levels, though the Vatican notes it could take up to 48 hours to fully assess his clinical condition.
The Holy See Press Office reported that the Pope slept well and spent Saturday morning resting. He has been reading newspapers and has not experienced further respiratory crises, suggesting he is not dependent on a ventilation mask, although his condition remains complex with a guarded prognosis.
Vatican officials differentiated this episode from the prolonged respiratory crisis on February 22.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
What People Are Saying
Holy See Press Office said in a statement: “After a quiet night, the Pope is resting.”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the 2025 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast: “Please grant your mercy upon Pope Francis so he may be restored from sickness and guide us in watchful care. We pray that you bless our Holy Father’s doctors, nurses, and medical staff with wisdom and capabilities so you may work through them to renew the health of your shepherd.”
What Happens Next
The Holy Father received the Eucharist Saturday afternoon before devoting himself to prayer.
Vatican sources indicate the Pope is not out of danger as Catholics worldwide continue praying for his recovery. Questions remain about how the pontiff will lead the church during the upcoming Easter period.
