Pope Francis in Critical Condition Following Severe Respiratory Crisis

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a severe respiratory crisis. The Vatican has yet to provide further updates on his health. 

The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis remains in a “critical” condition following a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” experienced earlier on Saturday.

The pontiff is “not as well as yesterday” and has undergone blood transfusions, according to the statement.

The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old was conscious and seated in his armchair, but he needed a “high flow” of oxygen and his prognosis “remains guarded.”

The Pope is receiving treatment for pneumonia affecting both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

According to the Vatican, blood transfusions were considered essential because of a low platelet count linked to anemia.

“The Pope’s condition is still critical,” according to a statement. “He remains in danger.”

“The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he was experiencing more discomfort than yesterday,” the statement added.

The Pope has requested transparency regarding his health, prompting the Vatican to start issuing daily statements. These announcements have varied in tone and length, occasionally leaving observers trying to interpret underlying messages.

However, this is undoubtedly the most striking evaluation so far and it includes an exceptional level of detail. It refrains from offering any predictions.

This announcement follows the statement from doctors treating the Pope, who noted for the first time that he was responding to medication. However, they emphasized that his condition remained complex. On Friday, they mentioned that even a minor change in circumstances could disrupt what has been described as a “delicate balance.”

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As one of them remarked, “He may be the Pope, but he is still a man.”

The Pope was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties.

He is particularly susceptible to lung infections because he developed pleurisy, an inflammation surrounding the lungs, in adulthood and had a portion of one of his lungs removed at the age of 21.

During his 12-year leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, the Argentine has been hospitalized multiple times, including a three-night stay in March 2023 due to bronchitis.

The recent news is likely to concern Catholics globally, as they are closely monitoring updates on the Pope’s condition.

This Jubilee year is bustling for the Catholic Church, with a large influx of visitors anticipated in Rome and an extensive lineup of events planned for the Pope. He has never been one to embrace inactivity; even during a hospital stay this week, his doctors reported that he visited the chapel to pray and spent time reading while seated in his chair.

Even prior to the recent setback, the Vatican had announced that he would not be making a public appearance to lead prayer with pilgrims on Sunday. This means it will be the second consecutive week he misses this event.

Throughout the week, well-wishers have been placing candles, flowers, and letters for the Pope outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital. On Saturday evening though, St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican remained unchanged with no crowds assembling there.

However, individuals passing through the square mentioned that they were keeping up with the news.

“Here in Rome, we feel a strong connection to the Pope,” an Italian man shared with the BBC. “After seeing the latest developments, we’re concerned.”