Pope Back on Respirator After 2 Episodes of Acute Respiratory Failure

Francis is being treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation, with the Vatican saying his prognosis remains ‘guarded.’

Pope Francis at the Vespers prayer service to celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome, on Jan. 25, 2025. Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Francis suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on March 3 and has been placed back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican announced, a setback in the pontiff’s ongoing battle with respiratory complications.

According to a March 3 statement from the Holy See Press Office, the episodes were caused by a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” which led to breathing difficulties. The pope underwent two bronchoscopies to remove large secretions obstructing his airways.