Pope Francis remains in critical condition after experiencing a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high oxygen support, according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for a week due to pneumonia and a complicated lung infection. Additionally, he underwent blood transfusions because of low platelet counts linked to anemia.
Pope Francis' Condition Worsens
Despite staying alert, Francis endured more pain on Saturday than the previous day. "The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved," the Vatican stated.
Doctors describe his condition as unstable and emphasize that he remains in a dangerous situation. The primary concern is the possible development of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can result from pneumonia complications. However, as of Friday, there were no signs of sepsis, and the pope was responding to treatment, according to his medical team.
Francis' Hospitalization and Treatment
Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14. His condition worsened after a week of battling bronchitis. Medical tests confirmed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, which later progressed into pneumonia in both lungs. As a result, doctors prescribed absolute rest, along with a combination of cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen when necessary.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli hospital, warned that the biggest risk was the infection spreading to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. "Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of," Alfieri stated. He added, "The English say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone touch what they want. But this is the real risk in these cases: that these germs pass to the bloodstream."
Speculation About Resignation
As concerns over Francis’ health persist, Vatican officials have denied speculation about his possible resignation. The Vatican clarified that there is no established protocol in canon law for handling an incapacitated pope. Francis has previously stated that he has written a resignation letter to be used if he becomes medically incapable of making decisions.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, addressed the rumors in an interview with Corriere della Sera. He dismissed speculation and emphasized that the pope’s health and recovery should be the focus. "On the other hand, I think it is quite normal that in these situations uncontrolled rumors can spread or some misplaced comment is uttered. It is certainly not the first time it has happened," Parolin said. He assured that there was no indication of a resignation discussion.
Holy Year Events Continue Without Pope Francis
Meanwhile, Vatican events for the Holy Year celebration continue in Francis' absence. The pope fell ill at the beginning of this significant religious period, which occurs once every 25 years. This weekend was meant to celebrate deacons, an essential ministry in the Catholic Church.
As Francis remains hospitalized, the Holy Year organizer will preside over Sunday’s Mass. For the second consecutive weekend, the pope is expected to miss his traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he could have delivered from the hospital if he were feeling well enough.
Despite his absence, deacons gathered at the Vatican expressed their support. "Look, even though he’s not (physically) here, we know he’s here," said Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico. "He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts and is accompanying us, because our prayers and his go together."
