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Pope Francis in critical condition: Isabella Rossellini shares message amid health struggles [WATCH]

The Oscar-nominated movie involves the dramatic selection of a new pope.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
FEBRUARY 24, 2025 2:30 PM EST

Pope Francis continues to remain in critical condition. The 88-year-old Catholic leader suffered a “long asthmatic respiratory crisis” and was hospitalized for a lung infection. As reported by The Vatican, the Pope has been resting and is conscious, while tests are still being conducted amid his health struggles.

The pope’s “prognosis remains reserved,” the Vatican added, mentioning “the complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback," as reported by the AP.

Pope Francis © Vatican Pool
Pope Francis

'Conclave' star Isabella Rossellini along with her co-stars took the stage at the SAG Awards on Sunday, expressing their best wishes as the Oscar-nominated movie involves the dramatic selection of a new pope.

Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini an  Stanley Tucci attend the premiere of 'Conclave' © Wiktor Szymanowicz
Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini an Stanley Tucci attend the premiere of 'Conclave'

"First of all, we would like to wish Pope Francis a quick recovery," Rossellini said at the ceremony. The actress portrays the character of Sister Virginia in the movie. The production's historical drama centered around the secretive process of the papal conclave, which is held to elect a new pope following the death of the previous pontiff.

Rossellini's character is involved in the intense and emotional atmosphere surrounding the election. The movie explores the political, religious, and personal dynamics at play within the conclave.

 Cardinals of the Catholic Church attend the election conclave in the Sistine Chapel on April 18, 2005 at the Vatican.© Pool
Cardinals of the Catholic Church attend the election conclave in the Sistine Chapel on April 18, 2005 at the Vatican.

Pope Francis' health at the moment:

Pope Francis is currently battling pneumonia in both of his lungs, along with infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as reported by his medical team. To aid his recovery, the Pope has been receiving supplemental oxygen when needed, and his doctors have initiated a drug therapy, which they confirm is showing positive results. 

Pope Francis © TIZIANA FABI
Pope Francis

Additionally, the Pope has been advised to rest completely, leading to the cancellation of several scheduled public appearances. The medical team highlighted that while the risk of sepsis—an extreme complication of pneumonia—remains a concern, Pope Francis has not displayed any symptoms of the condition at the moment.

Pope Francis © Franco Origlia
Pope Francis

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