Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : March 1, 2025 7:23 PM IST
The recent update from the Vatican is that the pontiff suffered from an 'isolated breathing crisis' that led to him vomiting. It apparently caused a 'sudden worsening' of his respiratory condition. (Photo: Instagram/@franciscus)
Pope Francis latest health update: Around the world, millions of people are currently praying for the health and recovery of Pope Francis, who is hospitalised with respiratory issues, with updates about his health being shared with the public periodically. The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, who is receiving treatment in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for 'double pneumonia', continues to be in a critical condition. The recent update from the Vatican is that the pontiff suffered from an 'isolated breathing crisis' that led to him vomiting. It apparently caused a 'sudden worsening' of his respiratory condition. On Friday afternoon -- after the pontiff spent his time alternating 'respiratory training' with a 'prayer' at the hospital -- he apparently 'inhaled the vomit' that led to the 'sudden worsening' of his respiratory health. Doctors proceeded to give him a 'non-invasive mechanical ventilation' to help him to breathe, to which his body showed 'a good response', Vatican stated, adding that the pope remains 'alert and well-oriented' as he continues his treatment.
In February, he was hospitalised for a respiratory tract infection. In a news release on February 14, the Vatican confirmed that the pope had been hospitalised following the 'worsening of his bronchitis in recent days'. He was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, which is a severe type of pneumonia that affects both the lungs and can be life-threatening, especially for elderly people.
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Recently, the pope had reportedly asked Catholics to pray for him, thanking the doctors and health workers treating him at the hospital, and his well-wishers from around the world who sent him messages and also gathered outside the hospital. "In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," he reportedly wrote. "Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
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According to a Vatican official, the recent breathing crisis did not last for very long, and the doctors are continuing to manage and monitor the pope's health closely. This development happened roughly three days after the head of the Vatican showed a 'slight' improvement in his health condition.
