Pope Francis suffers 2 acute respiratory crises, Vatican says

Pope Francis suffered two acute respiratory crises Monday, a complex medical situation that was less dangerous than Friday’s bronchospasm, the Vatican announced.

The breathing crises were “caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” according to the Vatican. “Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed requiring aspiration of abundant secretions.”

“In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed,” it added in a statement. “The Holy Father has always remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative. The prognosis remains guarded.”

Broncospasm is defined by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology as “a contraction of the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes” that “results in a narrowing and obstruction of the breathing airways.”

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Candles left outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, on Monday, March 3, 2025 where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14.  (AP/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

The development comes after the Vatican said earlier Monday that Francis “rested well all night.”

Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened.

Doctors first diagnosed the complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection and subsequently the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.

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Catholic faithful attend a nightly rosary prayer for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, March 2. (AP/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

Doctors said the pope spent all day Sunday without using the noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask that pumps oxygen into his lungs that he used after a breathing crisis on Friday.

“I would like to thank you for your prayers, which rise up to the Lord from the hearts of so many faithful from many parts of the world,” Pope Francis wrote on his X account on Sunday.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14. (Tiziana Fabi/Pool/AFP/Getty)