VATICAN CITY, ROME — Pope Francis suffered a bronchial spasm that caused him to inhale vomit, requiring emergency intervention and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican announced on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The episode marks a setback in his ongoing recovery from double pneumonia, which has kept him hospitalized since February 14.
Despite the incident, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff responded well to treatment and remained conscious and alert.
“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 Vatican statement read.
Concerns Over the Pope’s Health Amid Key Church Events
Pope Francis’ health struggles have raised concerns over his ability to lead during Holy Week and Easter, some of the most significant events in the Catholic Church’s calendar.
His hospitalization earlier this month followed a severe lung infection, worsened by his preexisting chronic lung condition.
On Friday morning, doctors had expressed cautious optimism, stating he had passed the most critical phase of the infection.
However, the sudden respiratory deterioration in the afternoon prompted renewed concerns, and doctors have now adopted a more guarded prognosis.
While doctors have not described his condition as “critical” in recent days, the Vatican has already made adjustments to upcoming liturgical events.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis will preside over next week’s Ash Wednesday ceremony, signaling contingency plans in case Pope Francis remains unable to fulfill his public duties.
Reactions From the Catholic Community
The pope’s illness has prompted an outpouring of prayers from Catholic faithful around the world.
“He is like part of the family. That’s why we feel so concerned for him,” said Araceli Gutiérrez, who attended a vigil in Mexico City on Thursday.
In San Diego, Archbishop-elect Robert McElroy described Francis as a leader who embodies both deep faith and humility.
“He is a man of joy and a man of deep prayer who works tirelessly and does so with a sense of humor… He is a man who listens and truly engages with other people and believes that others have something to teach him.”
At a gathering in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, urged prayers for the pope’s swift recovery.
“We are gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray confidently that God will allow Pope Francis to resume his apostolic service as soon as possible, in the fullness of his physical strength and with that pastoral dynamism that characterizes him.”
Uncertainty Surrounds Pope’s Schedule
The Vatican has canceled a scheduled Holy Year audience for Saturday, and it remains unclear whether Pope Francis will deliver his traditional Sunday noon blessing for a third consecutive week.
As the pontiff continues his recovery, Vatican officials remain cautious about his ability to return to public duties in the coming weeks.
