Doctors unsure outcome as Pope Francis suffers 2 breathing attacks

Pope Francis, who is hospitalised with penuemonia in both lungs, has suffered two bouts of acute respiratory failure.

The Vatican confirmed this on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, saying Pope slept “all night long and continues to rest”.

The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs, sparking alarm across the globe.

On Monday, Pope Francis “experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Vatican said.

Acute respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening, occurs when the lungs cannot pass enough oxygen into the blood, or when carbon dioxide builds up in the body.

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The Vatican added that Francis’s prognosis remains “reserved”, an indication that doctors cannot predict the likely outcome of his condition.

The Jesuit is being treated in a special suite reserved for pontiffs on the 10th floor of the Gemelli, where the Vatican has said he has continued to work, AFP reported.

Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, missed his traditional Angelus prayer for a third straight Sunday and the Vatican issued a written text instead.

In it, the Pope thanked well-wishers for their prayers, saying: “I feel all your affection and closeness and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all.”

The Star