Pope Francis suffers setback in pneumonia treatment after acute respiratory failure

03 March 2025 , 20:45

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Pope Francis suffers setback in pneumonia treatment after acute respiratory failure

Pope Francis suffered a major setback in his hospital treatment for pneumonia today, after a "significant" build-up of mucus in his airways, as the Vatican issues its latest health update on the Pontiff

The Pope has suffered yet another setback in his treatment for pneumonia, as it was confirmed he has suffered “two episodes of acute respiratory failure”.

The 88-year-old pontiff’s health has recently taken a sharp decline, as millions of Catholics worldwide continue to pray for his recovery. Today’s setback was caused by a “significant” build up of mucus in the airways of the lungs.

In an update, the Vatican said: “Today, the Holy Father presented two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed with the need for aspiration of abundant secretions.

"In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father has always remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative. The prognosis remains reserved.” 

The Pope entered hospital on February 14 and the Vatican has kept people up to date with his health in twice daily updates. No photos or videos of Francis have been shared with his complex lung infection.

Earlier today he issued a new message from the hospital as Vatican officials begged him to let his voice be heard after disappearing from public view for over two weeks as he recovers. Francis, 88, denounced the "progressive irrelevance" of international organizations to combat war as he remained at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in stable condition.

Yesterday was the third consecutive weekend Francis has missed delivering the Sunday Angelus prayer in person. Doctors on Saturday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no mention of him being critical.

This is his fourth hospitalisation since his 2013 election, raising concerns about his increasingly fragile health. Prayers continued for Francis outside the Gemelli Hospital, where he has been treated in the Papal Suite on its 10th floor since February 14.

Alternative plans have been made for Ash Wednesday this week, hinting Francis still has a long road of recovery ahead. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will preside over the ceremony on March 5, as well as the procession that inaugurates the church’s solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.

Sophie Walker