VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized in Rome since February 14. On March 3, he experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure, marking a concerning turn in his ongoing health battle.
The Argentine pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was initially admitted to the Gemelli hospital with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia affecting both of his lungs.
Health Complications and Treatment
On February 22, the Vatican reported that the pope had suffered a prolonged asthmatic attack, requiring high-flow oxygen delivered via a nasal cannula. In addition, he needed blood transfusions to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition that impairs blood clotting and can lead to persistent bleeding.
While his condition showed gradual improvement in the following days, Pope Francis faced a setback on February 28 when he experienced a bronchospasm — a tightening of the airway muscles — which led to vomiting and inhalation. In response, he began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, receiving oxygen through a mask. Despite these complications, the Vatican noted that he remained “in good spirits.”
March Health Crisis
By March 3, the pope’s health took another serious turn. The Vatican reported two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of mucus in the airways and consequent bronchospasm. To address this, doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear the secretions, and the pope continued to rely on an oxygen mask. Acute respiratory failure, which occurs when the lungs are unable to properly oxygenate the blood or clear carbon dioxide, can be life-threatening.
Ongoing Work Despite Illness
Despite his medical challenges, Pope Francis has remained active. He is staying in a special papal suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, where he continues to pray, read, and sign documents, including bishop appointments from around the world. He has also made phone calls and received visits from key Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra. However, he has not appeared in public since his hospitalization, notably missing his weekly Sunday Angelus prayers, which he typically delivers from the Gemelli hospital balcony.
Transparent Communication
In a shift towards greater transparency, the Vatican has been providing regular updates on the pope’s health. Twice-daily reports are sent to accredited journalists, with brief morning statements about his overnight status and a more detailed evening bulletin outlining his medical progress. The pope himself has reportedly requested that his doctors provide frank updates about his condition.
A Long Hospital Stay
This marks Pope Francis’s fourth hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013, and it is the most prolonged and serious of his stays. In recent years, the pope has faced several health issues while maintaining a rigorous schedule, including numerous international trips.
He was previously hospitalized in July 2021 for surgery related to diverticulitis, an intestinal condition. In March 2023, he was treated for bronchitis, and in June of the same year, he underwent surgery for a hernia. As a younger man, Pope Francis had part of his right lung removed, which has made him more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
In addition, the pope has faced ongoing challenges with knee and hip pain, requiring him to use a wheelchair since 2022. He underwent cataract surgery in 2019 and recently began using a hearing aid.
Pope Francis’s health remains a key concern for the Vatican and the global Catholic community as they continue to monitor his condition closely.
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