Pope Francis ‘stable,’ no respiratory failure episodes Tuesday

Pope Francis prays during his Wednesday general audience on Feb. 5, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. (Photo: Vatican Media)

Pope Francis’ health remains stable as he continues treatment for respiratory issues, the Vatican says in a statement on Tuesday evening.

The 88-year-old pope did not experience any further episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm today and remained alert and cooperative with his medical care.

Doctors transitioned the pope to high-flow oxygen therapy, a treatment designed to support his breathing, and he has also undergone respiratory physiotherapy to aid his recovery.

As part of his ongoing care, “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” is scheduled to resume overnight and continue until Wednesday morning.

While his prognosis remains reserved, the Vatican says that Pope Francis has been able to alternate between prayer and rest throughout the day. He received the Eucharist on Tuesday morning.