VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is breathing without a mask following two episodes of acute respiratory failure, the Vatican said on Tuesday, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized for pneumonia.
Now in his 19th day at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the pope has transitioned from an oxygen mask to a high-flow nasal cannula, which delivers oxygen through a tube placed in the nostrils.
The Vatican reported that he “slept all night long and continues to rest” after Monday’s severe breathing difficulties.
The Argentine-born leader of the Catholic Church, who has battled recurring health issues in recent years, was initially admitted on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia affecting both lungs.
His condition worsened on Monday due to a buildup of mucus and subsequent bronchospasm, causing significant respiratory distress.
Despite the Vatican describing his prognosis as “reserved”—a term signaling medical uncertainty—Francis remains alert and is undergoing continued treatment, including respiratory physiotherapy.
Medical experts have voiced concern over the pope’s prolonged hospitalization and repeated respiratory crises.
“At 88 years old, spending weeks in the hospital with multiple breathing complications is a serious warning sign,” said Bruno Crestani, head of pulmonology at Paris’ Bichat hospital.
Another expert, Herve Pegliasco of the European Hospital in Marseille, warned that with double pneumonia, “exhaustion becomes a major concern, as he must work harder to breathe.”
Francis, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, had already suffered two serious breathing episodes before Monday’s escalation.
He struggled with breathlessness in the days before his hospital admission and experienced a prolonged respiratory crisis on February 22, followed by another on February 28.
His hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of concern from Catholics worldwide, with prayers being held daily outside the hospital and at St. Peter’s Square.
Despite his condition, the pope has remained active behind hospital doors, making phone calls and meeting select Vatican officials.
However, he has not been seen in public for nearly three weeks. His traditional Sunday Angelus prayer was once again delivered in written form, rather than in person.
While Pope Francis has previously acknowledged the possibility of resignation due to health reasons—following the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI—he has downplayed the idea in recent years.
His continued hospitalization, however, has renewed speculation about the future of his papacy.
For now, the Vatican says no visits are planned, and Francis remains under close medical observation.
