Vatican Reports Pope Francis in Critical Condition Due to Prolonged Respiratory Crisis
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like episode on Feb. 22 and underwent a blood transfusion.
As of Feb. 22, Pope Francis remains in critical condition, grappling with a complex respiratory illness.
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope’s condition is still precarious,” stated the Holy See Press Office on Saturday.
This morning, Pope Francis faced a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis that necessitated the use of high-flow oxygen.
Recent blood tests showed that the pope had low blood platelet levels and needed a blood transfusion, according to the Vatican’s press service.
The 88-year-old pontiff, with chronic lung disease, has been combatting a respiratory illness for almost two weeks. After being admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome on Feb. 14, he was diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis and early pneumonia in both lungs.
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“The Holy Father remains conscious and spent the day in a chair, albeit feeling more uncomfortable than the day before. Currently, his condition is still guarded,” stated the Vatican’s press service on Saturday.
Doctors cautioned that pneumonia could lead to further complications, like sepsis. By Feb. 21, the pope’s medical team confirmed no signs of sepsis and observed positive responses to his medications.
Pope Francis’s health setback forced him to miss Vatican events during the Holy Year Jubilee celebrations.
Deacons, in the church ministry before ordination to the priesthood, gathered in the Vatican for the Jubilee events this weekend. Although the pope was originally scheduled to lead the diaconal celebrations, his health condition forced him to abstain.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Holy Year organizer, will now preside over the diaconal celebrations on behalf of Pope Francis.
For the second consecutive weekend, the pope will forego his customary Sunday noon blessing.
Feb. 22 additionally signifies the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter in Catholic tradition, commemorating St. Peter’s initial sermon as the first pope. This feast denotes unity and authority within the Catholic faith.
“Our prayers are with [Pope Francis] as we closely monitor his delicate health and express our love and gratitude towards him, entrusting him to Jesus,” Dolan expressed.
“Most of us are praying for his recovery and continued presence. If not, we hand him over to the Lord.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
