Pope Francis Rests After Respiratory Failures at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital

Vatican City: Pope Francis “slept through the night” at Rome’s Gemelli hospital and “now continues to rest”, the Vatican Press Office said on Tuesday after he suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on February 14 and is being treated for bilateral pneumonia.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Vatican stated that the respiratory failures were caused by “a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm”. Bronchoscopies were performed to remove the mucus buildup that caused the episodes, and doctors had resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

“The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the Vatican added, emphasizing that tests showed he does not have an elevated white blood cell count, suggesting he has no new respiratory infection. Despite this, his clinical condition remains complex, further respiratory crises are possible, and the prognosis remains “guarded”.