The Vatican

‘Sudden worsening’: Pope health update

Author: Editors Desk, Benedict Brook Source: News Corp Australia Network:

February 28, 2025 at 15:29

Just hours after The Vatican said the Pope was no longer in a critical condition, he suffered a breathing crisis and swallowed his own vomit.

Pope Francis’ condition has worsened with the leader of the Catholic Church swallowing his own vomit followed by a “sudden worsening” of his breathing.

He is using an oxygen mask to breathe.

It comes just hours after The Vatican said he was no longer in a critical condition.

The 88-year-old is battling pneumonia in both lungs. He was admitted to Rome’s Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14.

In an update the Holy See said Francis has spent the morning doing respiratory physiotherapy and praying in the chapel.

But he then “experienced an isolated breathing crisis”.

He had a bronchospasm which is where the airways in the lungs tighten.

“This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition,” the Vatican continued.

Pope Francis, in hospital with pneumonia, suffered a breathing 'crisis' which caused him to vomit, but he was given air and responded well, the Vatican said on February 28, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) — Pope Francis, in hospital with pneumonia, suffered a breathing "crisis" which caused him to vomit, but he was given air and responded well, the Vatican said on February 28, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

“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”.

The Vatican said it woudl take 24 to 48 hours to be able to assess the Pope’s clinical condition following the isolated bronchospasm episode.

The night before, The Vatican said Francis had slept well and was resting and said his condition was slightly improving.

A Vatican source on Friday reported that “criticality has passed, for the moment”, while cautioning that Francis’s overall condition “remains complex” and his prognosis still “reserved”.