Pope Francis Stabilizes After Respiratory Crises, Vatican Confirms

Doctors Remove Pope from Mechanical Ventilation, Condition Closely Monitored

Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement after suffering two respiratory crises, allowing doctors to remove him from noninvasive mechanical ventilation. The Vatican announced Tuesday that the 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling double pneumonia for over two weeks, is now receiving only high-flow supplemental oxygen.

Francis was able to sleep through the night and resumed respiratory physiotherapy in the morning. While his condition remains serious, medical staff described the latest developments as progress.

Pope No Longer Requires Breathing Mask

As of Tuesday morning, Francis no longer needed the mechanical ventilation mask that covered his nose and mouth to pump oxygen into his lungs. Instead, he is receiving oxygen through a nasal tube.

His condition had worsened on Monday, prompting doctors to reintroduce the breathing mask after excessive mucus blocked his airways. Medical teams performed two bronchoscopies—procedures that involve inserting a small camera-equipped tube into the lungs to remove fluid buildup.

Despite his chronic lung issues and a previous lung surgery in his youth, the Vatican stated that Francis remained alert and engaged with his medical team. However, doctors are maintaining a guarded prognosis, emphasizing that he is not yet out of danger.

Mucus Accumulation Not Due to New Infection

The Vatican clarified that the mucus buildup was a response to the original pneumonia and not a sign of a new infection. Laboratory tests did not indicate the presence of additional bacteria.

Pulmonary critical care specialist Dr. John Coleman of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, who is not involved in the pope’s care, noted that the need for bronchoscopies suggests significant fluid retention in the lungs.

“The fact that they had to manually remove the secretions is concerning because it means he isn’t clearing them on his own,” Coleman explained. He pointed out that while the pope has made some progress, his recovery has been marked by ups and downs.

Limited Mobility and Health Risks

Francis, who primarily uses a wheelchair and is overweight, has been undergoing respiratory therapy to strengthen his lung function. However, excessive mucus buildup suggests he may not have the muscle strength to clear his lungs through natural coughing.

The Vatican confirmed that by Tuesday morning, he no longer needed the breathing mask, indicating some stabilization. Doctors are continuing to assess his condition carefully, as noninvasive ventilation is often used to prevent more aggressive interventions, such as intubation. So far, Francis has not been intubated during this hospitalization.

His specific medical directives remain unclear, including whether he has outlined personal limits on care should his condition decline.

Catholic Teaching on Medical Care

The Catholic Church teaches that life must be preserved from conception until natural death. It mandates that patients receive basic care, including hydration and nutrition, but does not require extraordinary medical interventions if they serve only to prolong suffering.

Francis addressed this ethical stance in a 2017 speech, noting that while medical advancements should be used to sustain life, “there is no obligation to have recourse in all circumstances to every possible remedy.” He acknowledged that withdrawing excessive treatment can be morally justified if it no longer benefits the patient.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, reinforced that Francis would adhere to Catholic teachings regarding end-of-life care.

“The pope is offering an extraordinary lesson on human fragility,” Paglia said. “His experience reminds all of us—especially the elderly—of our shared responsibility to care for one another.”

Longest Papal Hospitalizations

Tuesday marked Francis’ 18th night in the hospital, making it one of the longest medical stays for a modern pope. However, his hospitalization does not yet rival that of St. John Paul II, who endured multiple extended hospitalizations throughout his nearly 27-year papacy.

John Paul II’s longest single hospital stay lasted 55 days in 1981 following surgery and complications from an infection.

Francis remains under close medical supervision, with the Vatican expected to provide further updates as he continues his recovery.

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