# Pope Francis remains in stable condition, a day after respiratory crisis

Pontiff, 88, spends long periods off noninvasive ventilation, showing improving lung function as he battles pneumonia

## Associated Press

Sat 1 Mar 2025 14.22 EST  
Last modified on Sat 1 Mar 2025 15.25 EST

Pope Francis remains in stable condition a day after a respiratory crisis, and has spent long periods off the noninvasive ventilation he initially needed, in a sign that his lung function was improving as he battles double pneumonia.

Francis had no further episodes of bronchial spasms, the Vatican said in its late update on Saturday. He had no fever and no signs of new infection, was feeding himself and continued his respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old pope had a good response in his blood gas levels even during the “long periods” he was off the ventilator mask and only using high-flow supplemental oxygen. But his prognosis remained guarded, meaning he was not out of danger.

“The Holy Father is always vigilant” and aware of what was going on around him, the statement said, adding that he received the Eucharist and spent time in prayer.

The comparatively positive update came after Francis suffered a setback on Friday in his two-week battle against pneumonia.

Francis had a coughing fit in which he also inhaled vomit. Doctors aspirated the vomit and placed Francis on noninvasive mechanical ventilation, a mask that pumps oxygen into his lungs. Doctors said episode resulted in a “sudden worsening of the respiratory picture”.

The pope remained conscious and alert at all times and cooperated with the manoeuvres to help him recover.

The fact that Francis on Saturday was able to use just high-flow oxygen for long periods, without any significant effect on the levels of oxygen in his blood, was a sign his respiratory function was improving.

The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has lung disease and was admitted to Gemelli after a bout of bronchitis worsened and turned into pneumonia in both lungs.

The Vatican is marking its “holy year” that is drawing pilgrims to Rome from all over. They are walking through the “holy door” at St Peter’s Basilica and also making pilgrimages to the hilltop Umbrian town of Assisi, to pray at the home of Francis’s namesake, Saint Francis.

“Every day we’re praying for the pope,” said the Rev Jacinto Bento, a priest visiting Assisi on Saturday with a group of 30 jubilee pilgrims from the Azores Islands. “We’re very sad for his situation.”
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