Pope Francis undergoes brochoscopies after ‘acute respiratory failure,’ Vatican says

Candles with Pope Francis’ image on them stand outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo: Daniel Ibañez/CNA)

Pope Francis on Monday underwent two bronchoscopies after he had “two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” the Holy See Press Office says in an evening statement.

The episodes were caused by “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm,” the statement says.

The bronchoscopies “were performed with the need for aspiration of copious secretions” and “noninvasive mechanical ventilation was resumed in the afternoon.”

His prognosis “remains reserved.”

The statement notes that the pope “remained alert, oriented, and cooperative at all times.”