Pope Francis is currently in a critical condition at the Vatican’s Gemelli hospital, battling a severe respiratory crisis that has necessitated high-flow oxygen support. This distressing development follows his admission more than a week ago for treatment of double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. The 88-year-old pontiff’s health has taken a turn for the worse, with reports indicating that he is enduring more suffering than in previous days.
The Vatican released a statement revealing that Pope Francis faced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, prompting the administration of high-flow oxygen. Additionally, he underwent blood transfusions due to thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with anemia. Despite the medical interventions, his condition remains critical, and the prognosis is currently described as reserved.
This unprecedented disclosure of the Pope’s uncertain health status is significant, marking the first time the Vatican has hinted at the possibility of his health crisis being insurmountable. The gravity of the situation was underscored by a visibly emotional Vatican official, who acknowledged the challenging nature of the day. Throughout the week, the Vatican’s updates have transitioned from describing Pope Francis as being in good spirits to his current critical state.
Pope Francis, renowned for his global messages delivered during the Angelus prayer, will not lead the Sunday prayers for the second consecutive week. Instead, he is expected to prepare a written homily for another individual to deliver. This departure from tradition highlights the severity of his condition and the need for him to prioritize his health.
The Pope’s medical team, led by Sergio Alfieri, emphasized that while he remains at risk, the situation is not immediately life-threatening. Pope Francis, who had been battling seasonal flu before his hospitalization, is also contending with a complex respiratory tract infection caused by a mix of bacteria and viruses. Although he does not currently have sepsis, the potential for the infection to spread remains a significant concern.
As the world awaits updates on the Pope’s health, millions of well-wishers continue to express their support and prayers for his recovery. The Vatican has refrained from commenting on speculations about a possible resignation, focusing instead on providing the necessary medical care for the revered pontiff. Pope Francis’ history of respiratory ailments, including a previous bout of pneumonia in 2023 and partial lung loss due to pleurisy, adds to the complexity of his current health battle.