Pope Francis, 88, is still in a “critical state” and his prognosis is currently reserved, according to the Vatican. This update comes at the beginning of the second week of his hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia. The Argentine Pontiff’s health has taken a turn for the worse, with his doctors stating that he is “suffering more than yesterday.”
The Vatican released a statement on Saturday night, explaining that the Pope’s condition is still critical and that he is not out of danger. Earlier that morning, Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required the administration of oxygen at a high flow. Additionally, blood analysis revealed thrombocytopenia, a hematological problem associated with anemia, which necessitated a blood transfusion. Despite these challenges, the Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair.
The medical team caring for the Pope had previously specified that a long hospital stay typically indicates a less-than-favorable evolution of the patient’s health status. When asked if the Pope was out of danger, Dr. Sergio Alfieri replied, “No, the Pope is not out of danger.” He explained that the real risk in this case is the possibility of germs entering the bloodstream, potentially causing a deadly septicemia. The doctor also noted that it may take days or even weeks to determine the efficacy of the therapies being used to treat the Pope.
As a result, the Pope is likely to remain hospitalized for the entire week and will miss the prayer of the Angelus for the second consecutive Sunday. He was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, but the Holy See later revealed that he was suffering from bilateral pneumonia, a potentially lethal lung tissue infection. This hospitalization, the fourth since 2021, has reignited concerns about the Pope’s health, which has been weakened by a series of problems in recent years, including colon and abdomen operations, as well as difficulties walking.
Concerns for the Pope’s Health
The Pope’s health issues have been a subject of concern for several years, with this hospitalization being the latest in a series of challenges he has faced. As the head of the Catholic Church, his well-being is closely monitored by the faithful around the world. The Vatican’s updates on his condition have been closely followed, and the news of his critical state has sparked an outpouring of support and prayers for his recovery.