Pope Francis in Critical Condition With Complex Lung Infection, Vatican Says
Vatican Provides Update on Pope’s Health After Respiratory Crisis
Pope Francis, suffering from a complex lung infection, spent a peaceful night following a severe respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican confirmed on Sunday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement, noting, “The night passed quietly, the pope rested.” However, the update did not specify whether the 88-year-old pontiff was out of bed or eating.
Doctors Monitor Pope’s Condition Amid Serious Health Concerns
Doctors previously stated that Francis was in critical condition after experiencing a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning. The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was being treated for pneumonia and an extensive lung infection.
Medical staff administered high-flow oxygen therapy to assist his breathing and conducted blood transfusions due to low platelet counts—an essential component for blood clotting, according to the Vatican.
Despite experiencing increased pain, Francis remained alert and spent most of Saturday seated in an armchair. However, doctors described his prognosis as “reserved.”
Pope Francis Misses Sunday Mass as Prayers Are Offered for His Recovery
Pope Francis was originally scheduled to celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning and ordain hundreds of deacons as part of the Vatican’s yearlong Holy Year commemoration.
Instead, Archbishop Rino Fisichella led the Mass in his place and offered a special prayer for the pope. Addressing the gathered deacons, Fisichella said, “Even though he is in a hospital bed, we feel Pope Francis close to us, we feel him present among us. And this compels us to make even stronger and more intense our prayer that the Lord will assist him in his time of trial and illness.”
Doctors Warn of Sepsis Risk, Continue Close Monitoring
Medical experts have raised concerns about the potential onset of sepsis, a dangerous bloodstream infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, no signs of sepsis had been detected, and the pope was responding to prescribed treatments, according to his medical team.
Doctors also identified low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) in Francis’ blood tests on Saturday, a condition that can stem from infections, medication side effects, or underlying health issues.
Vatican Denies Resignation Speculation Amid Pope’s Health Crisis
Francis, who has chronic lung disease and a history of bronchitis, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after his condition deteriorated following a weeklong bout of bronchitis. Doctors diagnosed a severe respiratory infection involving viral, bacterial, and fungal elements, followed by pneumonia in both lungs. Treatment included cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen.
As speculation swirled over a possible papal resignation, the Vatican moved to dismiss such rumors. Francis has previously stated that he wrote a letter of resignation that would take effect if he became medically incapacitated. However, Vatican officials insist that he remains fully conscious, alert, eating, and working.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, addressed the speculation in an interview with Corriere della Sera, calling it “useless” and emphasizing that Francis’ health and recovery should be the priority.
“On the other hand, I think it is quite normal that in these situations, uncontrolled rumors can spread or some misplaced comment is uttered,” Parolin said. “However, I don’t think there is any particular movement, and so far, I haven’t heard anything like that.”
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