Pope Francis Faces Ongoing Health Struggles with Breathing Issues

Sudden Respiratory Setback Raises Concerns

Pope Francis, now 88 years old, continues to grapple with persistent health challenges as he battles respiratory difficulties at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been admitted since mid-February 2025. The pontiff’s condition took an alarming turn on the afternoon of February 28, when he experienced a sudden recurrence of breathing problems accompanied by bronchial spasms and vomiting, prompting immediate medical intervention. According to a Vatican press release, doctors swiftly administered suction treatment to clear the vomit and implemented non-invasive ventilation therapy to assist his breathing without the need for intubation. This approach, designed to stabilize isolated respiratory distress episodes, reflects the careful management of his fragile state. Though the episode was reportedly short-lived and did not persist for an extended period, it has reignited widespread concern about the aging pope’s ability to recover fully from this prolonged illness, marking his longest hospital stay since ascending to the papacy. 

The Vatican had initially offered cautious optimism in the days leading up to this setback, with updates suggesting a gradual improvement in Pope Francis’s health condition. On February 24, officials described his status as “serious but improving,” and by February 26-27, the term “serious” was notably absent from statements, hinting at a potential stabilization. Earlier on February 28, reports even indicated that the pope had enjoyed a calm night, raising hopes of a steady recovery. However, the abrupt deterioration later that day dashed those expectations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his ailment. Medical experts, cited by Reuters through Vatican sources, are now closely monitoring his progress over the next 24 to 48 hours to assess whether this latest respiratory distress signals a deeper decline or remains an isolated incident. For an 88-year-old with a history of chronic respiratory issues, each episode carries significant weight, amplifying global attention on his wellbeing. 

Pope Francis’s current hospitalization began on February 14, initially due to bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia, a common complication in elderly patients with weakened immune systems. This stint, now stretching into its 16th day as of March 1, 2025, surpasses all previous medical confinements during his tenure, highlighting the severity of his ongoing health crisis. Earlier in this ordeal, on February 22, he faced a similar bout of breathing difficulty, only to show signs of recovery in the days that followed. His medical history adds layers of complexity to his prognosis: as a young man, he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to pleurisy, leaving him vulnerable to respiratory infections. Over the past two years, this vulnerability has manifested in repeated hospital visits, particularly during winter months when bacterial and viral infections tend to peak, a pattern that has fueled discussions about his long-term health outlook and the implications for the Catholic Church. 

Despite his frail condition, Pope Francis has demonstrated remarkable resilience, reportedly continuing some papal duties from his hospital bed, such as signing documents related to sainthood causes and engaging in phone calls with parishes, including one in Gaza. This dedication offers a glimpse into his unwavering commitment, yet it also raises questions about the physical toll of such efforts on his recovery from respiratory illness. The Vatican canceled a planned Jubilee audience scheduled for March 1, a decision that reflects the gravity of his current state and prioritizes his rest over public engagements. Meanwhile, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, led a rosary prayer for the pope’s recovery at St. Peter’s Square, a gesture that underscores the collective hope and anxiety surrounding his health among the faithful worldwide. 

The medical team’s use of non-invasive ventilation therapy during this latest episode highlights a strategic approach to managing Pope Francis’s breathing difficulties without resorting to more invasive procedures, which could pose additional risks given his age and comorbidities. This treatment, often employed for acute respiratory distress in elderly patients, uses a breathing support device to enhance oxygen flow and alleviate strain on the lungs. Sources within the Vatican, speaking anonymously, suggest that while the immediate crisis was averted, the pope’s chronic respiratory condition—exacerbated by his partial lung removal decades ago—remains a persistent threat. As winter lingers in Rome, the combination of seasonal infections and his underlying vulnerabilities continues to challenge even the most optimistic projections for his recovery, keeping the global Catholic community and health observers on edge as they await further updates on Pope Francis’s health status in the coming days.