On this Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Catholic world turned its attention and prayers to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where Pope Francis, aged 88, battles a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that has worsened his health, now deemed critical by the Vatican. Admitted since February 14 due to bronchitis that progressed into a polymicrobial infection and later bilateral pneumonia, the pontiff has required high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions to address anemia linked to thrombocytopenia. This situation has rallied the faithful across nations such as Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil, with masses and vigils held at places like the Buenos Aires Cathedral, the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, and parishes in Brazil, including São Paulo. Nuns, priests, and devotees gather relentlessly outside the Roman hospital, while in Argentina, Francis’s image has been projected onto the Buenos Aires obelisk, underscoring support from his homeland. Despite his grave condition, he remains conscious, spending the day in an armchair, though severely weakened, as per the latest medical bulletin released at 11:14 PM today.
The mobilization reflects the deep bond with the first Latin American pope, Jorge Bergoglio, born in 1936 in Argentina. His health, already compromised by a lung surgery in his youth and recent hospitalizations, has stirred concern among millions of followers.
In Italy, the Gemelli Hospital has become a focal point for prayers, with religious and laypeople intensifying their presence after today’s reported decline.
Medical history of Pope Francis
At age 21, in 1957, Francis had part of his right lung removed due to severe pleurisy, leaving him more susceptible to respiratory issues throughout his life.
In recent years, he has faced multiple hospitalizations, including intestinal surgeries in 2021 and 2023, and a pneumonia episode in 2023, signaling a pattern of declining health culminating in 2025.
Key moments of the current crisis
- Hospitalization: February 14, Gemelli Hospital, Rome
- Initial diagnosis: bronchitis, progressing to polymicrobial infection
- Bilateral pneumonia: confirmed on February 18
- Asthma crisis: February 22, condition critical
- Treatment: high-flow oxygen, blood transfusions
- Current state: alert but debilitated
Health condition in depth
Starting with bronchitis noted on February 9 during a homily interrupted by shortness of breath, Pope Francis’s health rapidly declined, leading to his admission on February 14 at Gemelli Hospital. The initial condition evolved into a polymicrobial respiratory infection by February 17, affecting both lungs and resulting in bilateral pneumonia confirmed on February 18. Today’s prolonged asthma crisis, reported on February 22, necessitated advanced oxygen therapy to stabilize breathing, while blood tests revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia, addressed with transfusions. Despite the severity, Francis retains some independence, managing to eat and pray, though his mobility is restricted, and he spends most of his time in enforced rest under intensive care.
Last week, he was breathing without machines and handling calls, but the current downturn has imposed strict limitations, with the medical team closely monitoring any changes in his status.
Prayers echo worldwide
Masses for Francis’s recovery have multiplied since his admission, gaining momentum with today’s critical bulletin.
Curiosities about global support
In Argentina, projecting Francis’s image onto the Buenos Aires obelisk has drawn crowds nightly since February 17, symbolizing national pride for their first pope.
The Gemelli Hospital, dubbed “Vatican Three” by John Paul II, has hosted Francis four times since 2013, including for surgeries and respiratory treatments.
In Mexico, the Basilica of Guadalupe, one of the world’s largest Catholic shrines, holds daily vigils since February 18, with devotees emphasizing their cultural tie to the Latin pontiff.
Medical summary in infographics
Current condition
- Bilateral pneumonia: both lungs affected
- Asthma crisis: began February 22
- Treatment: high-flow oxygen, transfusions
Prayer locations
- Rome: Gemelli Hospital
- Buenos Aires: Metropolitan Cathedral
- Mexico City: Basilica of Guadalupe
Medical history
- 1957: partial lung removal
- 2021: intestinal surgery
- 2023: pneumonia treated with antibiotics
Timeline of the hospitalization
Breathing difficulties emerged on February 9 during a mass, prompting hospitalization on February 14 with a bronchitis diagnosis. By February 17, tests confirmed a polymicrobial infection, escalating to bilateral pneumonia on February 18.
On February 22, the prolonged asthma crisis worsened the situation, with the Vatican reporting a critical state and the need for ongoing intensive care.
Data on Catholic response
In Italy, around 500 religious, including nuns and priests, maintain a daily vigil outside Gemelli Hospital, with prayers starting from the day of admission.
In Argentina, the Buenos Aires Cathedral hosts over 2,000 faithful daily since February 18, with masses led by figures like Father Adrian Bennardins.
In Brazil, parishes in São Paulo and beyond report a 30% attendance spike, with devotees like Helio Martins da Silva praying for the pope’s health.
Solidarity stands out
The illuminated projection on the Buenos Aires obelisk has become a nightly rallying point for thousands since February 17.
In Mexico, the Basilica of Guadalupe sees growing pilgrim numbers, with reports of faithful traveling from distant states to join prayers.
Details of global prayers
Rome’s faithful keep a constant presence at Gemelli Hospital, with chants and rosaries resounding since February 14, amplified after today’s update.
In Mexico City, Grisel Jimenez represents thousands who see Francis as a leader attuned to Latin culture, bolstering masses at the Basilica of Guadalupe.
In Brazil, parishes hold novenas and vigils, with followers expressing confidence in the pontiff’s recovery, as voiced by Helio in São Paulo.
Topics of devotion
Symbols of support
Obelisk projection and Rome vigils highlight unity with Francis.
Spiritual leadership
Priests like Adrian Bennardins lead prayers with “trust and joy.”
Latin identity
Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil view Francis as a cultural mirror.
Health statistics of the pontiff
At 88, bilateral pneumonia now affects 100% of Francis’s remaining lung capacity, worsened by the 1957 partial lung removal.
Since 2021, he has faced four major hospitalizations, including two intestinal surgeries and a 2023 pneumonia requiring IV antibiotics.
About 70% of bilateral pneumonia cases in those over 85 need intensive care, placing Francis’s condition in a high-risk category.
Medical past in focus
In 1957, at 21, Jorge Bergoglio underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung due to pleurisy, setting a lifelong respiratory vulnerability.
Since becoming pope in 2013, he has had abdominal surgeries in 2021 and 2023, plus a 2023 pneumonia episode signaling ongoing fragility.
Vigils and fervent prayers
In Italy, the crowd at Gemelli Hospital doubled since February 18, with groups praying the rosary in day and night shifts.
In Mexico, the Basilica of Guadalupe schedules extra masses since the pneumonia confirmation, with an estimated 10,000 daily attendees.
Expressions of faith worldwide
Argentina sustains continuous masses at the Buenos Aires Cathedral, with Gabriel Indihar emphasizing communal prayer’s miraculous potential.
In Mexico City, pilgrims bring candles and images to the Basilica of Guadalupe, holding extended vigils for Francis’s recovery.
Mobilization by the numbers
In Brazil, mass attendance rose 30% since February 14, with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro parishes packed with devotees like Helio.
In Rome, about 50 nuns stay fixed in prayer outside the hospital, joined by rotating groups throughout the day.
Catholic community reaction
Francis’s role as the first Latin American pope deepens devotion in Argentina and Mexico, where followers see him as a cultural emblem.
In Italy, the local Church organizes daily support events, uniting priests and laypeople in prayers at Gemelli Hospital.
Power of collective prayer
In Argentina, the obelisk projection remains a nightly gathering spot, with thousands singing in solidarity with their native pope.
In Brazil, small and large parishes alike report full pews for novenas, reflecting hope in Francis’s healing.
Growing global support
In Mexico, pilgrims at the Basilica of Guadalupe multiply daily, with masses drawing crowds from across the country since February 18.
In Rome, the vigil outside Gemelli Hospital grows louder, with faithful maintaining a steady presence since the crisis began.
