March 2, 2025 – As Pope Francis battles double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, has called on Filipinos to keep him in their prayers.
“Please continue to pray for him. He needs our prayers. He relies on our prayers indeed,” Brown said during the installation of Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. as the new bishop of Balanga, as reported by CBCP News.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, 88, experienced a setback on Friday due to an “isolated bronchospasm crisis,” leading to a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. To aid his breathing, he underwent aspiration to clear his airways and was placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
By Saturday morning (PH time), the Vatican stated that Pope Francis was stable, with no further breathing crises, though he remained under high-flow oxygen therapy.
The Pope was initially hospitalized on February 14 after suffering breathing difficulties caused by bronchitis. Doctors later diagnosed him with double pneumonia.
The Vatican continues to monitor his condition closely as the Catholic community worldwide prays for his recovery.