The Vatican reported that Pope Francis’ condition deteriorated after experiencing a bronchospasm, causing him to vomit and inhale. Subsequent to this incident, the pope was placed on non-invasive ventilation and was showing positive signs of improvement. Sources from the Vatican disclosed that the pope is currently receiving oxygen through a mask covering his nose and mouth, without the need for intubation.
Despite remaining alert and fully conscious throughout the day, the Vatican emphasized that Pope Francis is not yet out of danger as medical professionals continue to monitor the repercussions of the day’s events.
Before the episode, Pope Francis spent his morning alternating between praying and respiratory physiotherapy. He also received the Eucharist.
A woman places a rosary at the statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, Feb. 22, 2025. (REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri)
Earlier today, Vice President JD Vance spoke about the pope at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, and said a prayer for the 88-year-old pontiff. The vice president acknowledged their political differences, but said that he has been praying for the pope daily.
Vice President Vance invited the attendees to join him in praying for Pope Francis’ health. The vice president said he hopes the pope will make it through his health struggles, and shared something the pontiff did when COVID hit that touched him.
“I think all of us can remember that moment of the Holy Father standing in an empty Saint Peter’s Square, holding the Eucharist above his head and giving a sermon that I return to consistently because it was incredibly meaningful to me at the time. It remains meaningful today,” Vance said before going on to read part of the homily the pope gave in March 2020.
The Pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 with pneumonia and a bronchial infection. Candles with the pictures of him are the laid under the statue of late Pope John Paul II in Rome on Feb. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
The pope has been critical of the Trump administration, which Vice President Vance acknowledged in his address. Earlier this month, Pope Francis slammed the administration’s planned mass deportations of migrants, saying it “will end badly.”
