- Pope Francis is in critical condition due to an asthma-like respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions. “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical,” a statement reads. “The Pope is not out of danger.”
- The 88-year-old was admitted to a Roman hospital on Feb. 14 due to difficulty breathing. He has since been diagnosed with double pneumonia.
- The Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not appear at Sunday’s prayer service with pilgrims for the second consecutive week.
Full Story
The Vatican reports Pope Francis is in critical condition. According to the Holy See Press Office, the pontiff experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of “prolonged intensity,” requiring the administration of high-flow oxygen.
“Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions,” the press office said, adding, “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. The Pope is not out of danger.”
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The 88-year-old was admitted to a Roman hospital on Feb. 14 with difficulty breathing. He has since been diagnosed with double pneumonia.
On Friday, Feb. 21, Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pontiff’s physician, said that Francis was responding to the drug therapy that was “strengthened” after the pneumonia was diagnosed earlier this week.
Concern for sepsis
Doctors first reported Francis was fighting an infection caused by bacteria, virus and fungus in the respiratory tract. This ultimately turned into a pneumonia diagnosis.
As of now, doctors say there is no evidence the germs have entered his bloodstream. The condition, known as sepsis, can lead to organ failure and death.
The Vatican announced earlier on Saturday, Feb. 22, that Pope Francis would not appear at Sunday’s prayer service with pilgrims. This is the second consecutive week he will miss the event.
Will Pope Francis step down?
On Thursday, Feb. 20, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, commented on the possibility of Pope Francis’ resignation. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down after falling ill. Benedict became the first pope in 600 years to retire. In 2013, he announced he didn’t have the physical strength to carry on the rigors of traveling around the globe as required by the pope.
“There is no question that if [Francis] was in a situation where his ability to have direct contact [with people] as he likes to do … was compromised, then I think he might decide to resign,” Ravasi was quoted as telling RTL 102.5 radio.
