Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains conscious, is receiving high flows of oxygen to aid his breathing. Additionally, blood transfusions were administered after tests revealed a low platelet count, essential for clotting. Despite his ongoing treatment, the Vatican’s statement revealed that he remains alert but is in more pain than the previous day. The prognosis, however, remains uncertain.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized for a week due to a complex lung infection. His health status is currently considered “touch and go,” with doctors warning that the onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection, could complicate his condition further. However, as of Friday, there were no signs of sepsis, and the pope’s medical team reported that he was responding well to the treatments, including antibiotics and cortisone.
Saturday’s blood tests revealed a condition known as thrombocytopenia, characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets are vital for blood clotting, and a deficiency can arise from various factors, including infections or side effects from medication.
The pope, who has a history of chronic lung disease, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors diagnosed a viral, bacterial, and fungal infection affecting his respiratory system, followed by pneumonia in both lungs. Despite the serious nature of his illness, Francis has remained conscious, alert, and continues to eat and work, although doctors have prescribed “absolute rest.”
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli hospital, noted that the pope is aware of his critical condition. He relayed the pope’s message, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Amid ongoing speculation regarding the pope’s future, the Vatican has worked to quell rumors that Pope Francis might resign due to his health. While there is no provision in canon law to address a pope’s incapacity, it has been reported that Francis has written a letter of resignation that could be invoked should he be unable to make such a decision.
Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, addressed rumors in an interview with Corriere della Sera, stating that discussions about resignation were premature and that the focus should be on the pope’s recovery. He dismissed recent media reports of clandestine meetings concerning the pope’s potential resignation, emphasizing that such speculation was “useless” in the face of the pope’s health crisis.
As the world watches closely, the Vatican’s primary concern remains Pope Francis’ recovery, and the faithful await further updates on his condition.
Source: The Guardian
