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A week after his hospitalization, Pope Francis’s health remains a major concern for Catholics worldwide, who continue to pray for his recovery. Initial Vatican reports suggested he was responding well to treatment, but his condition took a sudden turn. On Saturday morning, the Holy See announced that the Pope had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis," leaving him in critical condition.
"The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. He is worse than yesterday and not out of danger. This morning, the Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen."A Vatican statement confirmed the deterioration: "The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is suffering more than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."
The statement also noted that he remains under medical supervision after receiving blood transfusions for anemia, which has not improved. Today’s tests revealed thrombocytopenia linked to anemia, necessitating transfusions.
'He Is Not Out of Danger'
On Friday, Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the hospital’s surgical department, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, a senior Vatican health official, provided updates on the Pope’s condition. They cautioned that, despite some positive responses to treatment, his recovery remains uncertain.
"Is the Pope out of danger? No, he is not," Alfieri stated.
Dr. Carbone acknowledged some improvement but added a measured assessment. "He is much better now," he said, while emphasizing a key point: "He is not at risk of death." Despite respiratory difficulties, he noted that the Pope’s overall health remains stable. "His heart is perfect."
This setback follows days of treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14 for double pneumonia and a respiratory infection. Despite initial signs of improvement, the Vatican now says his prognosis is “guarded,” meaning he remains in danger.
Doctors are monitoring him closely as global concern grows, with Catholics praying for his recovery.