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 [email protected] 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

Latest Stories


Gathering of prison ministers provided time to pray, network, share ideas
More than 30 women and men serving in jail and prison ministry ...

‘O Antiphons’: Advent prayers even the overscheduled can embrace

For ‘Gaudete Sunday’: Allowing joy to take root in us
Today the Church invites us into the radiant joy of “Gaudete Sunday,” a name drawn...

Live authentically with prayer, letting go of the unnecessary, Pope says
The secret to living an authentic life is praying to understand what is trul

Pope says US-European alliance needs to be strong
The evening before meeting a group of conservative European politicians...


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