Pope Francis’ health has taken a serious turn, with the Vatican confirming that his condition has deteriorated over the past 24 hours. The 88-year-old pontiff has required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions as he battles a severe respiratory illness.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing persistent breathing difficulties and was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. In a statement on Saturday evening, the Vatican reported that he had suffered a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” earlier in the day, requiring the administration of “high-flow oxygen.”
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical,” the statement confirmed. “The Pope is not out of danger.” It further noted, “The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is suffering more than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.”
Additionally, medical tests revealed a low platelet count, commonly associated with anemia, prompting doctors to administer blood transfusions. A U.S.-based medical expert suggested that the transfusions were likely intended to boost both red blood cell and platelet levels, as platelets play a key role in clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and professor at Boston College, emphasized that his observations were based solely on publicly available Vatican statements. “It seems it is under control, but his body is showing signs of difficulty to overcome (the) situation,” he remarked.
Absence from Public View
Earlier on Saturday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not make a public appearance on Sunday to lead prayers with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he has missed the event. It is believed to be the first time he has skipped two consecutive Angelus prayers due to health concerns.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection that inflames and scars both lungs, making breathing difficult. The Vatican described the pope’s condition as “complex,” indicating that multiple microorganisms are responsible for the infection.
During a briefing on Friday, doctors highlighted that Pope Francis’ age and frailty made him particularly vulnerable. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior medical professional at Gemelli, warned that the lung infection could spread to his bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis—a life-threatening condition that “could be very difficult to overcome.”
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has faced several health challenges, particularly in the past two years. His susceptibility to lung infections is linked to a past case of pleurisy as a young adult, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung. This latest update on Pope Francis’ condition was revealed in a publication by Reuters.
