Pope Francis, ill with pneumonia, suffers breathing ‘crisis’: Vatican
Crisis in Breathing: A Setback in Recovery
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, has suffered a setback in his recovery from double pneumonia, with doctors describing an "isolated crisis of bronchial spasm," a Vatican statement said on Friday, February 28, 2025. The incident has raised concerns about the Pope’s health and the possibility of a longer-than-expected hospitalization.
For the past two weeks, the Pope has been battling double pneumonia, a condition that requires non-invasive mechanical ventilation to help him breathe. While he has been conscious and cooperative with his treatment, the latest development has sparked fears that his condition may be more severe than initially thought.
A Crisis in Breathing: A Setback in Recovery
The crisis unfolded on Friday afternoon when the Pope, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, experienced a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. The Vatican statement said that the episode was characterized by a "sudden worsening of the respiratory picture," prompting doctors to keep a close eye on his condition.
In an unusual move, the Vatican announced that the Pope would not be able to attend the Ash Wednesday ceremony, which is scheduled for March 5, and that another high-ranking Vatican official, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, would take his place.
A Glimpse into the Pope’s Condition
According to reports from the Vatican, the Pope has been alternating high flows of supplemental oxygen with a mask and praying in the chapel. He has also been receiving respiratory physiotherapy and has been reading newspapers and engaging in other activities to stay occupied.
Raising Concerns about the Pope’s Health
As the Pope’s condition continues to raise concerns, many are turning to prayer to wish him a speedy recovery. In Mexico City, a few dozen people gathered at the cathedral to pray for the Pope’s recovery, with one woman describing him as "like a member of the family." Another said, "He has done so much for religion; he’s such a humble person.".
Uncertainty Surrounds the Pope’s Upcoming Schedule
Given the possibility of a longer-than-expected hospitalization, the Vatican is making alternative arrangements for the Pope’s upcoming events. The Holy Week and Easter celebrations, which are set for April 20, will be closely monitored, and the Pope’s participation in those events will depend on his condition.
In the meantime, the world’s Catholics are holding on to hope that the Pope will make a full recovery and return to his duties soon. As one observer noted, "That’s like having a relative within the higher-ups, with God. He has done so much for religion; he’s such a humble person."
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