LAST UPDATE | 2 Mar 2025

POPE FRANCIS REMAINS in a stable condition and did not require the use of mechanical ventilation today, the Vatican has said. 

The regular evening update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition was a sign that his respiratory function was improving, after he suffered a breathing “crisis” on Friday that saw him need to use a non-invasive mechanical ventilator. 

The Vatican said Francis did continue to receive high flow supplemental oxygen today after Friday’s coughing episode, which sparked fears of a new infection.

Doctors again said his prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger.

Francis, who earlier today had a visit from the Vatican No 2 and No 3 officials, also attended Mass, rested and prayed, the Vatican said in its evening bulletin.

Francis continued his recovery from double pneumonia, but again skipped his weekly noon blessing to avoid even a brief public appearance from the hospital.

Instead, the Vatican distributed a message from the pope in which he thanked his doctors for their care and well-wishers for their prayers, and prayed again for peace in Ukraine and elsewhere.

In a short statement this morning, the Vatican said Francis was still resting “following a peaceful night”. It announced yesterday that his condition had stabilised. 

Faithful gathered in prayer today around the statue of John Paul II outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic where Pope Francis is hospitalised in Rome. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Francis has remained in Gemelli Hospital in Rome with pneumonia for over two weeks, the longest amount of time that he has been under a doctor’s attention of his Pontificate.

Yesterday evening’s bulletin said the Pontiff had been alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy. His breathing crisis has not repeated.

After being admitted to hospital on 14 February for breathing difficulties, concerns for the pontiff’s health increased as his condition deteriorated into pneumonia in both lungs.

Medical experts have warned that Francis’ age and the chronic respiratory disease from which he suffers mean a sustained recovery will take time. The Pope also had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man and is prone to bronchitis.

Nonetheless, Francis has continued to work from the special hospital suite on the Gemelli’s 10th floor. He also has been doing breathing exercises in between resting and praying, according to the Vatican.

Includes reporting by AFP and Press Association