Pope: 2 more episodes of respiratory crisis

"Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," said a medical bulletin released on the evening of March 3, 2025.

Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed with the need to aspirate abundant secretions, the statement explains.

In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation resumed.

Pope Francis remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times, adds the Vatican, saying that the "prognosis remains guarded."

According to Vatican sources, blood tests carried out during the day did not show any new infection.

These two episodes are now added to two previous episodes -- the first, on Saturday, February 22, was described as "an asthmatic-like respiratory crisis of a prolonged nature, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen." As well, "blood tests also showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions."

Then, on Friday, February 28, an episode similar to those of today occurred. The Vatican described that event as an "isolated episode of bronchospasm," adding that "this caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. 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."

The Vatican has reported since the beginning that doctors remain "guarded" in their prognosis. In the only press conference that the medical team has held -- on February 21, so before any of these respiratory crises had occurred -- they already spoke of the Pope's fragility.

He suffers from a “chronic pathology” of the respiratory tract, and is battling a “significant infection, with many microbes” and has “bilateral pneumonia” diagnosed shortly after he was admitted on February 14.

They further mentioned that the Pope already does not walk much - due to his knee problems - and that he is 88 years old.

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On Sunday, the Holy Father released his message for the midday Angelus, which spoke of the "blessing" in fragility, and also noted that war "from here, appears even more absurd."