Rudy Giuliani fought back from a severe bout of pneumonia that was so critical a priest administered his last rites before he began to recover in what his doctor described as miraculous. The former New York City mayor, aged 81, was breathing on his own and removed from a ventilator on Monday, according to a well-placed source.
Doctor Calls It a Miracle
Dr. Maria Ryan, Giuliani's physician, told Fox News, 'He's a fighter. The way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him and all the prayers from around — it's like a miracle.' Ryan noted that Giuliani fell ill after returning from a trip to Paris. At Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, a Catholic priest was called to perform the last rites. However, Giuliani's condition improved, and he now breathes independently and can speak. He even communicated with his children, Caroline and Andrew Giuliani.
Full Recovery Expected
Dr. Ryan expressed optimism, stating, 'This guy's got nine lives. Today he's doing much better.' She anticipates a full recovery. A source emphasized that Giuliani's condition remains serious and he may spend several more days at the hospital, which is a five-minute drive from Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.
Giuliani contracted pneumonia on Sunday, placing him in critical condition. John Catsimatidis, a billionaire friend, learned of the encouraging news on Monday afternoon, saying, 'He's talking, he's alert. To me, that's great news.'
Political Figures React
President Trump praised Giuliani as a 'True Warrior' and 'the best mayor in the history of New York City, by far.' Giuliani's business partner Tom von Essen, former NYC Fire Commissioner during 9/11, commented, 'Rudy had a tough weekend. Today is an important day.'
Giuliani's spokesman Ted Goodman confirmed the former mayor is recovering from pneumonia, noting that a prior diagnosis of restrictive airway disease from his 9/11 service complicates respiratory illnesses. 'This condition adds complications to any respiratory illness, and the virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation,' Goodman said.
Recent Health and Legal Challenges
On Friday night, Giuliani held a livestream on Facebook, during which he coughed and said, 'My voice is a little under the weather, so I won't be able to speak as loudly as I usually do.'
Giuliani, once celebrated for reducing crime as mayor and for his leadership after 9/11, faced legal troubles after the 2020 election for his role in attempting to overturn results. He filed for bankruptcy in 2023 with $153 million in debts, including defamation claims from Georgia election workers.
Former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino wrote, 'Mayor Rudy Giuliani was the most transformative figure in the history of NY City politics. He pulled off an economic and public safety miracle.'
Giuliani was elected mayor in 1993 after serving as a high-profile prosecutor. He ran for Senate in 2000 but withdrew after a prostate cancer diagnosis, and ran for president in 2008 before endorsing John McCain.
