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Pope Francis in critical condition after health decline
Vatican Confirms Pope Francis in Critical Condition After Respiratory Crisis© Franco Origlia

Pope Francis in critical condition after health decline

The Vatican confirms Pope Francis is in critical condition after a severe respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen and medical supervision.

Ricardo Vidal
FEBRUARY 22, 2025 10:28 PM EST

A week after his hospitalization, Pope Francis’s health remains a major concern for Catholics worldwide, who continue to pray for his recovery. Initial Vatican reports suggested he was responding well to treatment, but his condition took a sudden turn. On Saturday morning, the Holy See announced that the Pope had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis," leaving him in critical condition.

Pope Francis leads his general weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, on March 08, 2023 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)© Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis
Pope Francis leads his general weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, on March 08, 2023 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

"The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. He is worse than yesterday and not out of danger. This morning, the Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen."A Vatican statement confirmed the deterioration: "The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is suffering more than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."

Pope Francis officially inaugurates the 2025 Jubilee Year with the solemn opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024 in Vatican City, Vatican. Since 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII issued the first Jubilee Bull, millions of pilgrims have journeyed to Rome. Their outward pilgrimage symbolised an inner desire for renewal, seeking to align their daily lives—despite challenges and struggles—with the hope of the Gospel. For the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis will open a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison on 26 December. © Vatican Pool
Pope Francis officially inaugurates the 2025 Jubilee Year with the solemn opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on December 24, 2024 in Vatican City, Vatican. Since 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII issued the first Jubilee Bull, millions of pilgrims have journeyed to Rome. Their outward pilgrimage symbolised an inner desire for renewal, seeking to align their daily lives—despite challenges and struggles—with the hope of the Gospel. For the first time in the Jubilee tradition, Pope Francis will open a fifth sacred portal in a Roman prison on 26 December.

The statement also noted that he remains under medical supervision after receiving blood transfusions for anemia, which has not improved. Today’s tests revealed thrombocytopenia linked to anemia, necessitating transfusions.

'He Is Not Out of Danger'

On Friday, Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the hospital’s surgical department, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, a senior Vatican health official, provided updates on the Pope’s condition. They cautioned that, despite some positive responses to treatment, his recovery remains uncertain.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Physicians Luigi Carbone (L) and Sergio Alfieri (R) speak during a press conference at the Policlinico Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized since February 14 due to bilateral pnemonia, in Rome, Italy, on February 21, 2025. (Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)© Anadolu
ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 21: Physicians Luigi Carbone (L) and Sergio Alfieri (R) speak during a press conference at the Policlinico Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized since February 14 due to bilateral pnemonia, in Rome, Italy, on February 21, 2025. (Photo by Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"Is the Pope out of danger? No, he is not," Alfieri stated.

Dr. Carbone acknowledged some improvement but added a measured assessment. "He is much better now," he said, while emphasizing a key point: "He is not at risk of death." Despite respiratory difficulties, he noted that the Pope’s overall health remains stable. "His heart is perfect."

Candles, flowers and a portrait of Pope Francis are laid at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome on February 22, 2025. Pope Francis passes another calm night in hospital, the Vatican said on February 21, 2025 in its morning update, as the 88-year-old spent his seventh day in hospital being treated for pneumonia. © ALBERTO PIZZOLI
Candles, flowers and a portrait of Pope Francis are laid at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome on February 22, 2025. Pope Francis passes another calm night in hospital, the Vatican said on February 21, 2025 in its morning update, as the 88-year-old spent his seventh day in hospital being treated for pneumonia.

This setback follows days of treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14 for double pneumonia and a respiratory infection. Despite initial signs of improvement, the Vatican now says his prognosis is “guarded,” meaning he remains in danger.

Doctors are monitoring him closely as global concern grows, with Catholics praying for his recovery.

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