Pope Francis spent a calm Saturday night following a recent bronchospasm crisis that had caused a deterioration in his breathing, according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, who has been hospitalized for 15 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, is now showing signs of stabilization.
The pontiff was admitted to the hospital in mid-February after being diagnosed with severe bronchitis, which later developed into bilateral pneumonia. In a statement released late Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis’ clinical condition remains stable. He is currently alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, with positive responses to treatment.
“The Holy Father’s hemodynamic parameters are stable, and he is continuing to feed regularly while actively participating in respiratory physiotherapy,” the statement read. It also noted that the pope did not experience another bronchospasm attack and remains in good spirits. Earlier in the day, he spent about 20 minutes praying in the chapel near his hospital room.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected as the head of the Catholic Church in March 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. Over the past decade, he has become a global figure known for his humility, progressive views, and efforts to address social and environmental issues.
Timeline of Pope Francis’ Hospitalization
The pope’s health challenges began on February 14 when he was hospitalized for severe bronchitis. By February 18, the Vatican announced that he had developed bilateral pneumonia, complicating his condition.
On February 21, doctors assured the public that his life was not in immediate danger, though he was not entirely out of the woods. The following day, his condition took a critical turn after he suffered an asthma attack.
By February 24, slight improvements were observed, and his condition was described as “critical but stable.” Over the next few days, the Vatican reported gradual progress, with his health showing signs of improvement.
However, on Friday, the pope experienced a bronchospasm crisis, prompting medical staff to perform broncho-aspiration and initiate mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. The treatment yielded positive results, contributing to his current stable condition.
A History of Health Challenges
Pope Francis has faced increasing health issues in recent years. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery during his first hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. Since then, he has relied on a wheelchair due to chronic knee pain.
In 2023, he was hospitalized twice—first for respiratory difficulties and later for surgery to address an abdominal wall condition. Despite these challenges, the pope has maintained an active schedule, continuing his duties as the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the Vatican remains cautiously optimistic. His resilience and determination have been a source of inspiration for many, and his ability to maintain his sense of humor and devotion to prayer during this difficult time has been widely praised.
The global Catholic community is united in prayer for the pope’s swift and complete recovery. Updates on his condition are expected in the coming days as medical teams monitor his progress closely.