Giuliani's primary care physician, Dr. Maria Ryan, said a priest visited on May 4 and performed last rites while he was being treated for pneumonia. Goodman and medical notes confirmed the infection was more serious because Giuliani has restrictive airway disease linked to his work after Sept. 11; he required mechanical ventilation to stabilize but is now breathing on his own with family at his side.
Those close to him had expressed concern about his condition. Earlier in August 2025, Giuliani was seriously injured in a car crash that left him with a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and other injuries; he was later seen in a wheelchair wearing a chest brace at a 9/11 memorial in September 2025. Goodman has thanked supporters and said, "The power of prayer is working. The mayor feels it. We feel it." He also asked that people "please keep them coming for America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani."