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Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025
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Pope Francis in Critical Condition Following Health Deterioration
The Vatican reports severe respiratory issues and ongoing treatments as the pontiff battles pneumonia.
Pope Francis's health has deteriorated significantly, with the Vatican officially describing his condition as 'critical' after experiencing a respiratory crisis that required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14, after struggling with breathing difficulties for several days, and was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Vatican detailed that the Holy Father had suffered a 'prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis' during the morning hours, necessitating high-flow oxygen therapy.
The statement affirmed that while the pope remains alert and has spent the day seated, he is experiencing increased discomfort compared to previous days.
The prognosis for his recovery remains guarded.
Alongside the need for additional oxygen, the Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis had required blood transfusions due to laboratory findings indicating a low platelet count, commonly associated with anemia.
Medical professionals suggested that the transfusions aim to enhance the levels of red blood cells and platelets, which are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding.
In light of these health issues, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not appear in public on Sunday for the Angelus prayer, marking the second consecutive week he has missed this traditional event—a first for the pontiff in terms of consecutive absences for health-related reasons.
Following intestinal surgery in 2021, he returned to lead the prayer just a week later, although he did skip a prayer in 2023 due to another operation.
Double pneumonia, characterized by inflammation and potential scarring in both lungs, poses serious risks to his health.
The Vatican has described the papal infection as 'complex,' attributing it to multiple microorganisms.
During a briefing on Friday, two doctors affiliated with the Gemelli hospital acknowledged the high vulnerability of the pope given his age and previous health conditions.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior physician at the Gemelli, warned that the lung infection could potentially spread to the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that could complicate Francis's recovery.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of respiratory issues, including pleurisy, which he developed in his youth, and has undergone lung surgery that involved the removal of part of one lung.
The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14, after struggling with breathing difficulties for several days, and was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Vatican detailed that the Holy Father had suffered a 'prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis' during the morning hours, necessitating high-flow oxygen therapy.
The statement affirmed that while the pope remains alert and has spent the day seated, he is experiencing increased discomfort compared to previous days.
The prognosis for his recovery remains guarded.
Alongside the need for additional oxygen, the Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis had required blood transfusions due to laboratory findings indicating a low platelet count, commonly associated with anemia.
Medical professionals suggested that the transfusions aim to enhance the levels of red blood cells and platelets, which are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding.
In light of these health issues, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not appear in public on Sunday for the Angelus prayer, marking the second consecutive week he has missed this traditional event—a first for the pontiff in terms of consecutive absences for health-related reasons.
Following intestinal surgery in 2021, he returned to lead the prayer just a week later, although he did skip a prayer in 2023 due to another operation.
Double pneumonia, characterized by inflammation and potential scarring in both lungs, poses serious risks to his health.
The Vatican has described the papal infection as 'complex,' attributing it to multiple microorganisms.
During a briefing on Friday, two doctors affiliated with the Gemelli hospital acknowledged the high vulnerability of the pope given his age and previous health conditions.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior physician at the Gemelli, warned that the lung infection could potentially spread to the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition that could complicate Francis's recovery.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of respiratory issues, including pleurisy, which he developed in his youth, and has undergone lung surgery that involved the removal of part of one lung.
