In the early afternoon, Pope Francis suffered an “isolated bronchospasm” leading to an episode of vomiting and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition, the Vatican reported this evening, February 28, 2025.
While the Pope has already spent two weeks at the Gemelli Polyclinic for a lung infection, the consequences of this new crisis on his clinical condition will be evaluated in the coming days.
Full report from the Holy See
The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.
He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments.
The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded.
In the morning, he received the Eucharist.
Reacting to the crisis, the doctors quickly proceeded with bronchoaspiration and set up “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” -- meaning he wasn't intubated -- to which the 88-year-old Pope is said to have responded well. According to Vatican sources, this device covers the nose and mouth -- where the ventilation used until now only involved the nose -- and has allowed the Pontiff to return to “his pre-attack respiratory state.”
The Pope did not lose consciousness during this event and response.
After this attack, which was reportedly shorter than the one that occurred last Saturday, the doctors stated that their prognosis remains “guarded,” but did not refer to a “critical” condition as had been the case previously.
“Patients who have had this type of attack have had much worse consequences, but the Pope has overcome it,” said a Vatican source.
However, according to the same source, doctors believe that it will now take between one and two days to assess the consequences of this isolated crisis on the Pope's overall clinical condition.
What is a bronchospasm?
The bronchospasm that affected the Pope refers to breathing difficulties that can occur in people with asthma, including children. It is caused by the obstruction of the bronchi, when the lower part is swollen, causing an increase in mucus and a muscle contraction in the form of spasms that reduces the entry of air into the lungs.
Due to the inhalation of vomit, the Pope's doctors were forced to perform bronchoaspiration: a medical technique that involves using a bronchoscope (a tool with a thin tube used in particular for endoscopies) to suck thick secretions in the trachea and bronchi of a patient who is no longer able to cough.
New attack after a period of improvement
Before this incident occurred, the Pope had alternated between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the private chapel of his apartment in the morning, even receiving the Eucharist.
The day before, the health bulletin had announced that the Pope's clinical condition was continuing to improve and that he had emerged from the “most critical phase.” The doctors had warned, however, that the Pontiff's clinical picture remained complex and that the Pope would have to remain in hospital for several more days.
Pope Francis' scheduled participation in the Ash Wednesday procession, the first day of Lent celebrated this year on March 5, had already been canceled. The Pontiff will be replaced by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, major penitentiary.
This new crisis comes six days after the one on February 22, when the Pope had a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” that required the use of high-flow oxygen. Due to a lack of platelets and anemia, he had also received blood transfusions.
Follow the updates on the Pope's health here.
In just a few moments, tonight's Rosary in St. Peter's will begin. Tonight's prayer is being led by Cardinal Fernandez, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
