Bishop reiterates call to prayer as Pope’s condition described as ‘critical’

February 18, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
Pope Francis is shown greeting visitors in St. Peter's Square who gathered to pray the the Angelus Jan. 5, 2025. The Holy Father has been hospitalized with bronchitis and pulmonary difficulties since Feb. 14. On Feb. 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. CNS photo/Vatican Media
Pope Francis is shown greeting visitors in St. Peter's Square who gathered to pray the the Angelus Jan. 5, 2025. The Holy Father has been hospitalized with bronchitis and pulmonary difficulties since Feb. 14. On Feb. 18, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. CNS photo/Vatican Media (Vatican Media)


In response to the breaking news Feb. 22 about the worsening status of Pope Francis as he is being treated in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stated:

“The clergy and laity of the Diocese have been praying for the Pope throughout his hospitalization. We will continue to do so as his battle has become more difficult over the last 12 hours. May he be comforted by the prayers and well-wishes offered for him from around the world and may God see him through this critical time.”

Pope Francis was first hospitalized Feb. 14 with bronchitis and breathing difficulties.  On Feb. 18 his diagnosis was identified as bilateral pneumonia with a complex existence of polymicrobial infection.  On Feb. 20, the Pope’s doctors noted some improvement before the respiratory crisis that he suffered Feb. 22. 

The 88-year-old Pope is experiencing worsening pain as of Feb. 22, according to his doctors.

RELATED STORY: Pope has respiratory 'crisis,' doctors say 'prognosis reserved'



Related Stories

In response to the breaking news Feb. 22 about the worsening status of Pope Francis as he is being treated in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stated:

“The clergy and laity of the Diocese have been praying for the Pope throughout his hospitalization. We will continue to do so as his battle has become more difficult over the last 12 hours. May he be comforted by the prayers and well-wishes offered for him from around the world and may God see him through this critical time.”

Pope Francis was first hospitalized Feb. 14 with bronchitis and breathing difficulties.  On Feb. 18 his diagnosis was identified as bilateral pneumonia with a complex existence of polymicrobial infection.  On Feb. 20, the Pope’s doctors noted some improvement before the respiratory crisis that he suffered Feb. 22. 

The 88-year-old Pope is experiencing worsening pain as of Feb. 22, according to his doctors.

RELATED STORY: Pope has respiratory 'crisis,' doctors say 'prognosis reserved'


Have a news tip? Email info@whitewaterpublications.com or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily
Local Events
Item 4 of 6

Latest Stories


Hungarian cardinal from 'the heart of Europe' shows decades of leadership
Although not a familiar name in the U.S. press....

French-born cardinal has decades of diplomatic experience in Americas, Africa
French Cardinal Christophe Pierre, 79...

Filipino cardinal is popular speaker, global traveler
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is a popular speaker...

In Middle East, cardinal has shown political savvy, pastor's heart
Although conventional wisdom says he is too young...

Bologna cardinal known for dialogue, peacemaking, promoting laity
If you ask an Italian, almost five decades of having...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2025 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.