Priest administered last rites to Rudy Giuliani before he was taken off ventilator

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is showing signs of recovery after a critical health scare that saw him placed on a ventilator, with doctors now reporting a significant turnaround in his condition.

The 81-year-old had been hospitalized after experiencing severe breathing difficulties following a recent trip to Paris. According to his physician, his condition worsened rapidly, prompting urgent medical intervention and raising serious concerns about his survival.

Priest called as Rudy Giuliani's condition turned critical

At the height of the crisis, Giuliani’s condition was described as dire, with medical staff taking extraordinary measures. His doctor, Dr Maria Ryan, revealed that a priest was called to his bedside to administer last rites, a step typically reserved for patients facing life-threatening situations.

“He’s a fighter - the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him,” Ryan said to Fox News, describing the gravity of the moment.

The situation sparked concern among supporters and political allies, many of whom closely followed updates on his health. Giuliani has long been a prominent figure in American public life, particularly remembered for his leadership during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Rudy Giuliani's rapid turnaround surprises doctors

In a dramatic shift, Giuliani’s condition improved enough within a short period for doctors to remove him from the ventilator. He is now breathing on his own and is able to speak, though he remains in critical but stable condition as medical teams continue to monitor his recovery.

Ryan expressed optimism about his prognosis, stating that she expects him to make a full recovery. She credited both medical care and what she described as a remarkable resilience on Giuliani’s part.

A spokesperson also noted that Giuliani’s past health challenges, including respiratory issues linked to his exposure to debris at Ground Zero after 9/11, may have contributed to the severity of his recent illness.

Rudy Giuliani is known for his resilience through setbacks

Despite facing multiple health challenges in recent years, Giuliani has remained active in public life. In 2025, he was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire, suffering fractures and other injuries, yet he returned to public appearances in the months that followed.

Supporters have pointed to his latest recovery as further evidence of his resilience. “Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the ultimate fighter,” a spokesperson said in a statement, echoing sentiments shared widely across social media.

Doctors say the coming days will be crucial as Giuliani continues to recover under close supervision. While his condition remains serious, the rapid improvement has provided a measure of relief and cautious optimism among those following his health closely.