Pope Francis Suffers Respiratory Crisis Amid Pneumonia Battle, Vatican Says

The Vatican reported that Pope Francis experienced a sudden respiratory decline on Friday, requiring urgent medical intervention and non-invasive ventilation.

Pope Francis looks on as he leads Vespers on the feast of 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 a sudden respiratory deterioration on Friday due to an isolated bronchospasm, the Vatican announced.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, experienced an episode of vomiting that led to aspiration, worsening his condition, according to a Feb. 28 statement from the Holy See Press Office.