Pope Francis, at 88, has faced significant health issues, including pneumonia, requiring close medical attention and respiratory support.
**Pope Francis Remains Stable Following Respiratory Health Scare**

**Pope Francis Remains Stable Following Respiratory Health Scare**
The Vatican acknowledges the Pope's ongoing recovery after suffering respiratory challenges, emphasizing careful monitoring.
In a recent nightly update, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis remains stable following two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday. The Holy See reported that the Pope did not experience further respiratory crises or bronchospasms, and he remains "afebrile, always alert, cooperative with therapies, and well-oriented."
Since mid-February, Pope Francis has been hospitalized for pneumonia and has been using an oxygen mask along with a ventilator to help with his breathing. He initially spent two days on a ventilator after an "isolated" breathing crisis caused by vomiting. As of Tuesday, he has transitioned back to high-flow oxygen therapy. Throughout the day, the Pope engaged in prayer and rest, and he received the Eucharist.
Due to his health condition, he will be absent from the Ash Wednesday procession and mass, marking the start of Lent, which lasts six weeks leading up to Easter. Additionally, he has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive Sundays.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after facing breathing difficulties for several days. He was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The Pope has a history of lung issues, having contracted pleurisy in his youth and having undergone partial lung removal, which makes him more susceptible to pneumonia—an infection stemming from bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
While Vatican sources have been diligent in updates, they continue to regard the Pope's health as complex and highlight cautious optimism, indicating that he is not yet out of danger.
Since mid-February, Pope Francis has been hospitalized for pneumonia and has been using an oxygen mask along with a ventilator to help with his breathing. He initially spent two days on a ventilator after an "isolated" breathing crisis caused by vomiting. As of Tuesday, he has transitioned back to high-flow oxygen therapy. Throughout the day, the Pope engaged in prayer and rest, and he received the Eucharist.
Due to his health condition, he will be absent from the Ash Wednesday procession and mass, marking the start of Lent, which lasts six weeks leading up to Easter. Additionally, he has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive Sundays.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after facing breathing difficulties for several days. He was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The Pope has a history of lung issues, having contracted pleurisy in his youth and having undergone partial lung removal, which makes him more susceptible to pneumonia—an infection stemming from bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
While Vatican sources have been diligent in updates, they continue to regard the Pope's health as complex and highlight cautious optimism, indicating that he is not yet out of danger.