Vatican: Pope Francis Is in Critical Condition

THE NEWS

Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis Saturday morning.

The pontiff required high flows of oxygen and also received a blood transfusion after tests showed conditions associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a statement late Saturday. He isn’t out of danger.

TIMELINE

Early February 2025 – First Symptoms

• Pope Francis began feeling unwell with a persistent cough and fatigue.

• By mid-February, he had been sick for more than a week and was experiencing growing breathing difficulties.

Feb. 14, 2025 – Hospital Admission

• He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after several days of worsening bronchitis and breathing trouble.

• The Vatican announced he would undergo testing and treatment, cancelling his appointments for the following days.

• Doctors soon diagnosed a complex respiratory infection.

Feb. 17, 2025 – “Polymicrobial” Infection

• Doctors said he was suffering from a poly microbial respiratory tract infection, meaning a mix of viruses, bacteria and possibly other organisms had colonised in his respiratory tract.

• His condition was labeled a “complex clinical picture” requiring an extended hospital stay.

• The Holy See Press Office cancelled the weekly general audience scheduled for February 19.

Feb. 18, 2025 – Double Pneumonia

• An afternoon chest CT scan confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia (infection in both lungs).

• In light of the diagnosis, the Vatican cancelled all of Pope Francis’s public events through the upcoming weekend, including a planned Holy Year gathering.

• Officials noted that Francis remained in good spirits and asked for the faithful to pray for him.

Feb. 19, 2025 – PM Meloni Visit

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital.

• After the meeting, she described him as “alert and responsive,” and in good humor despite his condition.

Feb. 21, 2025 – Risk of Sepsis

• Dr. Sergio Alfieri warned that the main threat facing Francis would be the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.

• “He knows he’s in danger,” Alfieri added. “And he told us to convey that.”

• As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis.

Feb. 22, 2025 – Critical Condition

• Pope Francis suffered a prolonged respiratory crisis in the morning, leading to a severe drop in his overall condition.

• The Vatican announced in the evening that he had entered critical condition and was “not out of danger.”

• Doctors administered high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions after finding low platelet counts.

REACTIONS:

Vatican: “The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated after her February 19 hospital visit that the Pope remained “alert and responsive,” calling on citizens to pray for his swift recovery.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio appealed to the faithful to “pray for Pope Francis,” asking the Holy Spirit to grant him strength.

Vice-President JD Vance: "Let's all say a prayer for Pope Francis, who appears to have some serious health issues."

WHAT'S NEXT

Pope Francis will remain at Gemelli Hospital under 24-hour observation, with all public appearances canceled for at least the next week.

Vatican announces daily updates and requests continued prayers for the Pope’s recovery.