Cardinal Burke ‘Remains in Serious, but Stable Condition’

According to an authorized statement from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the cardinal remains sedated and on a medical ventilator and his family has expressed confidence in the care he is receiving.

Cardinal Raymond Burke is shown praying Oct. 15, 2017, in front of the relic of St. Thomas More’s head, which is buried in a vault in St. Dunstan’s Church in Canterbury, England. St. Thomas More is one of  Cardinal Burke’s favorite saints.
Cardinal Raymond Burke is shown praying Oct. 15, 2017, in front of the relic of St. Thomas More’s head, which is buried in a vault in St. Dunstan’s Church in Canterbury, England. St. Thomas More is one of Cardinal Burke’s favorite saints. (photo: Edward Pentin photo)

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include an official statement from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

The condition of Cardinal Raymond Burke, who was recently hospitalized with COVID-19 and placed on a ventilator, had reportedly deteriorated but he now remains in stable condition. 

A press release issued by the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in LaCrosse, Wisconsin stated that, “As of August 17th, His Eminence remains in serious, but stable condition.  His family, who with a team of doctors, is responsible for all medical decisions while the Cardinal remains sedated and on a medical ventilator, has great confidence in the care he is receiving. The Cardinal has received the Sacraments from priests nearby to him.  There are several relics in his room.”

The statement indicated  the family has requested that the Shrine and the cardinal's official personal media "be the only authorized platforms for accurate, timely information," adding that " other reports may be incomplete or false and so may unnecessarily disturb the minds and hearts of those devoted to His Eminence."

The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support for the cardinal, while also urging respect for his privacy.

Cardinal Burke’s Twitter account had announced Aug. 14 that he “has been admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and is being assisted by a ventilator. Doctors are encouraged by his progress. His Eminence faithfully prayed the Rosary for those suffering from the virus. On this Vigil of the Assumption, let us now pray the Rosary for him.”


A report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said the cardinal, who lives in Rome and is prefect emeritus of the Apostolic Signatura, became ill while visiting Wisconsin, where he was raised.

Amid rumors that he was seriously ill, the 73-year-old cardinal confirmed Aug. 10 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, tweeting: “Thanks be to God, I am resting comfortably and receiving excellent medical care. Please pray for me as I begin my recovery. Let us trust in Divine Providence. God bless you.”

Register Staff contributed to this report.