Pope Francis Faces Health Setback Amid Battle with Double Pneumonia

Vatican City—Pope Francis, 88, experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency on Monday, the Vatican announced, marking a significant health setback as he continues to battle double pneumonia.

The pontiff, who has been receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, is once again undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation to support his breathing.

According to the Vatican’s latest medical bulletin, the respiratory distress was triggered by a substantial accumulation of endobronchial mucus, leading to a bronchospasm—a condition similar to an asthma attack. In response, doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear his airways and assess his condition.

Despite the interventions, the pope's prognosis remains "guarded," indicating that his recovery is uncertain. A Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while Pope Francis' blood test results remained stable on Monday, his medical team views the respiratory episodes as part of the body’s natural response to infection.

Over the weekend, previous reports suggested a more optimistic outlook following a bronchospasm on Friday, after which the pope was placed on ventilatory support. By Sunday, he had transitioned to receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula.

Pope Francis has encountered multiple health challenges in recent years, particularly due to a history of lung complications stemming from pleurisy in his youth, which led to the partial removal of one lung. Double pneumonia, a severe infection affecting both lungs, can lead to inflammation and scarring, significantly impairing respiratory function.

Since his hospitalization, the pontiff has not made any public appearances, marking his longest absence from view since assuming the papacy in March 2013. His medical team has not provided a timeline for his recovery.