This article was originally posted February 14, 2025. It will be updated as news is announced.
Pope’s Cause of Death Revealed
April 21, 3:00pm ET
The head of the Vatican’s health department says Pope Francis died Monday due to “stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse,” according to the Vatican.
Pope Francis was currently recovering from a 38-day hospitalization for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged on March 23 and had been receiving care at his Vatican residence. The Pope was seen on Sunday at the Vatican’s Easter services, where he gave the official Easter blessing and was driven through the crowd in the “Popemobile.”
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification, and the Holy See Press Office released the report on Monday evening.
According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.
His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography. “I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis Dies at Age 88
April 21, 11:00am ET
Pope Francis I, who was recovering from a recent 38-day hospitalization for bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia, died early Monday morning at the Vatican. He was 88.
The official cause of death has not yet been released.
The Pope had been recovering from severe lung disease after being hospitalized for bronchitis on February 14 and later diagnosed with a severe case of bilateral pneumonia on February 18. He was placed in critical condition twice, requiring mechanical ventilation, high-flow oxygen, and other intensive care. He recovered and was discharged from the hospital on March 23, after 38 days.
On Sunday, the Pope delivered the official Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican and was later driven through the crowd in the famous “Popemobile.”
The Vatican released the following statement early Monday morning:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
-Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope’s Condition Remains Stable
April 1, 2025
Pope Francis remains in stable condition while recovering from bilateral pneumonia at the Vatican residence, according to an update from the Holy See press office.
The latest update on the Pope’s health, presented by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, indicates that his blood work is normal, while a recent chest x-ray indicates an improvement in his lungs.
The Pope is continuing with the various therapies prescribed by his doctors, said Mr. Bruni. His motor skills, breathing, and the use of his voice continue to show improvement. High-flow oxygenation is used mainly at night and as necessary.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis to be Discharged from Hospital
March 22, 2025
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday March 23 after over a month of hospitalization.
On February 14, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis. While in the hospital, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and was administered mechanical ventilation on two occasions after severe bronchospasm and respiratory insufficiency.
According to the Vatican, the Pope’s bilateral pneumonia has been successfully treated and he is well enough to be disharged.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday evening, Doctor Sergio Alfieri, head of the Gemelli Hospital medical team that has been treating the Pope for an acute respiratory tract infection and bilateral pneumonia said “The good news the world and everyone is waiting for is that tomorrow the Holy Father will be discharged. Tomorrow he will return to Santa Marta.”
Doctor Alfieri, flanked by the Pope’s personal physician, Doctor Sergio Carbone, explained that the decision to discharge the Pope follows steady and rapid medical improvements in his clinical condition and the lifting of the prognosis.
He noted that the past week has seen significant improvements. He confirmed that when the Pope was admitted to hospital on 14 February, he was suffering an acute respiratory insufficiency due to a polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia. This, he explained, necessitated a combined pharmacological treatment.
The Vatican says the Pope has been prescribed at least two months of convalescence, during which he will be receiving medical care and will be taking an adequate period of rest.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis No Longer Needs NIV
March 20, 2025, 11:00am ET
The Pope remains hospitalized but no longer requires noninvasive mechanical ventilation, according to an update from the Holy See Press Office.
The Vatican says the Pontiff’s condition continues to improve, and his bilateral pneumonia is “under control but not eliminated.”
The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving. The Holy Father has suspended noninvasive mechanical ventilation and also has less need of high-flow oxygen therapy. Motor and respiratory physiotherapy is continuing to make progress.
The Pope’s doctors have said that his lung infections are under control, although not eliminated. The values of his clinical analyses are in the normal range, and the Pope continues to be fever-free.
via Vatican News
Due to his stable condition, the Vatican says it will issue an update again next week.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope’s Condition Stable
Mar 17, 2025, 3:00pm ET
The Pope’s hospitalization continues, however, the Vatican released an update that his condition is stable, with slight improvements.
His doctors continue to administer high-flow oxygen via nasal cannula, as well as noninvasive ventilation overnight.
The Pope’s condition is stable with slight improvements thanks to respiratory and motor therapy.
He is using high-flow oxygen therapy with nasal cannulas less frequently and, at times, can do without oxygen therapy. At night, he uses non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
The swelling in his hand, seen in the photo taken and published yesterday, is due to reduced mobility, but it has already improved today.
via Vatican news
The Pope has been hospitalized since February 14 and continues to suffer from bilateral pneumonia.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
After One Month of Hospitalization, Pope’s Condition Improving ‘Steadily’
Mar 14, 2025, 3:00pm ET
One month after Pope Francis was hospitalized, the Pontiff’s condition is now stable and showing improvement.
First hospitalized for a case of bronchitis on February 14 and later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and placed in critical condition, Pope Francis is recovering “steadily.”
The Vatican says there are no significant developments in the Pope’s clinical condition, which remains stable.
The Pope’s recovery is progressing steadily, and time is needed to ensure that improvements are sustained. Throughout the day, Pope Francis engaged in prayer and continued his respiratory and physiotherapy sessions.
Given the Holy Father’s stable condition, doctors have not issued a medical bulletin on Friday evening. Noting that this is a “a positive sign” the Holy See Press Office thus informs that medical updates will be less frequent.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Remains Hospitalized, Sends Audio Message to Supporters
Mar 7, 2025, 12:00pm ET
Pope Francis’s hospitalization hit the three-week mark on March 7th, as he continues to be treated for a complex case of bilateral pneumonia.
A clinical update on Thursday from the Holy See Press Office says he remains in stable condition.
He has not experienced any episodes of respiratory insufficiency today. The Pope has continued both respiratory and motor physiotherapy with beneficial effects. Hemodynamic parameters and blood test results remain stable.
He did not run a fever. However, the prognosis remains reserved.
via Vatican News
The Vatican also revealed that the Pope recorded a thank you message to everyone praying for his recovery, which was played aloud in St. Peter’s Square.
“I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square. I accompany you from here. May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope’s Condition Stable, Alternating NIV and High-flow Oxygen
Mar 4, 2025, 6:30pm ET
The Vatican is reporting that Pope Francis’s condition is stable and he will resume noninvasive ventilation overnight.
The Pope was taken off NIV Monday morning and given high-flow oxygen.
This morning, he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy. As scheduled, tonight he will resume noninvasive mechanical ventilation until tomorrow morning. The prognosis remains guarded.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Ventilated Again, After Two Episodes of “Acute Respiratory Insufficiency”
Mar 3, 2025, 1:25pm ET
Pope Francis has been placed back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation after suffering two acute respiratory events on Monday, according to the Vatican.
The Pontiff required two bronchoscopies to remove “large secretions,” the Vatican press office says.
Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.
Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.
In the afternoon, noninvasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.
via Vatican News
This is the second time in the last four days that the Pope has been put on NIV, after the original instance on Friday evening. He was taken off ventilation on Sunday and given supplemental oxygen as his condition was showing improvement.
The Vatican said the Pontiff’s prognosis remains “guarded.”
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope No Longer on Ventilation as Condition Improves
Mar 2, 2025, 11:00pm ET
The Vatican is reporting that Pope Francis has been taken off mechanical ventilation but continues to receive supplemental oxygen. The Pontiff’s condition has improved, but risk of deterioration continues.
Today, too, the Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable. The Pope has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only supplemental high-flow oxygenation. He does not have a fever.
Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the prognosis remains guarded.
No direct consequences from last Friday’s isolated bronchospasm are evident. However, the risk of a deterioration in the Pope’s condition remains.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis Suffers Bronchospasm, Put on Noninvasive Ventilation
Feb 28, 2025, 2:00pm ET
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Pope Francis has been put on noninvasive ventilation after a bronchospasm suffered late Friday night at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital.
According to CNN, the Pope aspirated some vomit during the episode.
The episode was complicated by vomiting, some of which he aspirated, the Vatican said. Medical staff treated the aspiration issue before putting the pope on mechanical ventilation, it said.
The Vatican added that the pontiff “remained alert and oriented at all times.”
via CNN.com
A report from the Vatican provided more details and called the Pope’s condition “guarded.”
The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.
He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments.
The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded.
About 24 to 48 hours will be needed to be able to assess the Pope’s clinical condition following the isolated bronchospasm episode.
Thanks to noninvasive mechanical ventilation, gas exchange values are reported to have returned to levels similar to those before the episode.
via Vatican News
Earlier in the day Friday, the Vatican reported that the Pontiff was showing improvements in his battle with bilateral pneumonia.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
After Two Weeks of Hospitalization, Pope’s Condition Improving
Feb 28, 2025, 10:00am ET
The Vatican reported continued improvement in the Pope’s condition as he battles a bilateral pneumonia infection that hospitalized him two weeks ago (Feb 14).
As in recent days, the night passed calmly, and the Pope is now resting. After waking up this morning, the Holy Father ate breakfast and read a few newspapers. He continues his treatment and breathing physiotherapy.
via Vatican News
However, the Vatican says the Pope will not preside over Ash Wednesday services on March 5.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Has Passed “Most Critical Phase” but Remains Hospitalized
Feb 27, 2025, 2:30pm ET
The Pope continues to battle pneumonia in both lungs and remains hospitalized in Rome, but the Vatican reports that he continues to show improvement.
“According to reports, the Pope has passed the most critical phase, but his condition remains complex. For this reason, the prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican press office says.
He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis.
In the morning, the Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest. In the afternoon, after an additional physiotherapy session, he spent time in prayer in the chapel of his private apartment on the 10th floor, where he received the Eucharist. He then engaged in work activities.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope’s Shows Improvement but Still Critical Condition
Feb 24, 2025, 12:00pm ET
The Vatican reports that Pope Francis showed a “slight improvement” on Sunday but remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Pope has been hospitalized since February 14 battling multiple lung conditions and now kidney insufficiency.
No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.
Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Experiencing Early Kidney Failure
Feb 23, 2025, 1:30pm ET
Blood tests on Pope Francis showed early kidney failure on Sunday, and the Pontiff remains in critical condition, according to the Vatican press office.
The “mild renal insufficiency” is currently under control, the Vatican reports.
He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen. The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope in Critical Condition, Requires High-flow Oxygen
Feb 22, 2025, 11:00am ET
The Vatican says Pope Francis experienced an “asthma-like respiratory crisis” and required high-flow oxygen therapy on Saturday.
The Pope also required blood transfusions due to thrombocytopenia.
The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.
Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.
The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis Now Has Pneumonia in Both Lungs
Feb 18, 2025, 6:30pm ET
Pope Francis, who was hospitalized on Friday (Feb 14) with bronchitis, has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, according to a report from the Vatican press office.
The Vatican called the Pope’s condition “complex” but said he remains in “good spirits.”
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pontiff has a “polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”
“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the “A. Gemelli” Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.”
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope in ‘Stable’ Condition
Feb 17, 2025, 1:30pm ET
As of Monday evening, Pope Francis remains hospitalized but is in “stable” condition and is “continuing with the prescribed treatment,” according to an update issued by the Vatican press office.
“The Holy Father remains without a fever and is proceeding with the prescribed treatment,” the Holy See Press Office said in a news report.
The Pope was hospitalized on Friday to receive treatment for bronchitis.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Remains Hospitalized Due to “Complex Clinical Picture”
Feb 17, 2025, 8:00am ET
Pope Francis requires a longer hospitalization, according to an update issued by the Vatican press office.
“[The Pope’s] complex clinical picture requires an adequate time of treatment in the hospital, and, accordingly, that his Wednesday General Audience this week is therefore canceled.”
via Vatican News
The Vatican says test results “have shown a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a further change in therapy.”
Despite the illness, the Pope is in good spirits, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope’s Medical Tests Show Improvement
Feb 15, 2025, 12:30pm ET
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with bronchitis on Saturday but the Vatican is reporting that tests show improvement in certain health parameters. The Pontiff’s medical therapy was also slightly adjusted, the Vatican reports.
A statement released by the Holy See Press Office on Saturday afternoon said the Pope rested throughout the night without experiencing episodes of fever.
“The examinations carried out during the day confirm the respiratory tract infection. The therapy has been slightly modified based on further microbiological findings. Today’s laboratory tests show an improvement in some values,” it explained.
via Vatican News
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Update: Pope’s Condition is Stable, Begins Pharmacological Treatment for RTI
Feb 14, 2025, 4:00pm ET
In an update from the Vatican press office, Pope Francis is receiving pharmacological treatment for a respiratory tract infection and has a “slight fever.”
“Following the worsening of his bronchitis in recent days,” Pope Francis, who was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday morning, “has undergone specialist examinations and has begun hospital pharmacological treatment.”
It specified that “initial tests indicate a respiratory tract infection. His clinical condition is stable, with a slight fever.”
via Vatican News
In conversation with journalists, Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, said: “The Pope is calm, he is in good spirits, and has read some newspapers.”
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Bronchitis
Feb 14, 2025, 10:30am ET
Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome on Friday to receive treatment for bronchitis, as well as diagnostic testing, according to the Vatican and multiple media reports.
The Vatican’s press office announced he would be admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital following his morning audiences.
“This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis.”
via Vatican News
According to The Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis “has been suffering from bronchitis for several days, as he has noted during a couple of public audiences.”
According to a report from The AP, the Pope’s hospitalization is the fourth since he was elected in 2013. The Pontiff had part of one lung removed as a young man and has recurring bouts of bronchitis, especially in winter, the AP says.
More information is available on the Vatican press office website.
