ROME (AP) — Pope Francis remains in critical condition following a severe and prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, compounded by pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains conscious, has been receiving high-flow oxygen therapy to assist with breathing. Additionally, he underwent blood transfusions due to low platelet counts, which are essential for blood clotting, according to a late update from Vatican officials.
“The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical. As explained yesterday (Friday), the pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican statement declared. It was the first time the term “critical” had been officially used to describe his condition since his hospitalization on February 14.
Despite his fragile state, Pope Francis has remained alert, spending the day seated in an armchair. However, he is experiencing increased pain compared to the previous day. Doctors have refrained from making a prognosis, stating that his condition remains uncertain.
Doctors Warn of Sepsis Risk
Medical professionals have expressed concern over the potential onset of sepsis, a life-threatening bloodstream infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no indication of sepsis, and Pope Francis was responding to the medications prescribed to him, according to his medical team’s latest update.
Saturday’s blood tests revealed a condition known as thrombocytopenia, characterized by a low platelet count. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. Experts from the U.S. National Institutes of Health note that low platelet levels can result from infections or as a side effect of medication.
Pope Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease and recurrent bronchitis during the winter months, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened significantly.
Doctors initially diagnosed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal infection of the respiratory tract, followed by the onset of pneumonia in both lungs. He was prescribed a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen therapy. Saturday’s update marked the first time the Vatican officially acknowledged that Pope Francis had suffered an “asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, requiring high-flow oxygen support.”
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, stated on Friday that the greatest risk facing Pope Francis is the spread of the infection into his bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis. Sepsis can cause multiple organ failure and is often fatal.
“Sepsis, combined with his pre-existing respiratory problems and age, would be extremely difficult to overcome,” Alfieri remarked during a press conference. “We all hope for the best, but this is the most significant danger in such cases.”
“He is fully aware of his condition,” Alfieri added. “He asked us to communicate this openly.”
Vatican Dismisses Resignation Speculation
Amid growing speculation about a potential resignation, Vatican officials have moved swiftly to dispel rumors that Pope Francis might step down. Unlike the case of Pope Benedict XVI, there is currently no formal protocol in place regarding papal incapacitation. However, Pope Francis has previously stated that he has prepared a resignation letter in the event that he becomes medically incapable of leading the Church.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed the rumors in an interview with Corriere della Sera, refuting claims that he and the pope’s chief canonist had visited Francis in secret to discuss a possible resignation. The Vatican also issued an official denial of an Italian media report that had speculated about such a meeting.
Parolin dismissed the rumors as “unnecessary,” emphasizing that the primary focus should be on Pope Francis’s health and recovery. “These situations always invite speculation, but at this time, there is no movement suggesting resignation discussions,” he said.
Global Reactions and Prayers for Pope Francis
The news of Pope Francis’s deteriorating health has triggered an outpouring of support and prayers from around the world. In Latin America, where the pontiff hails from, churches have held special prayer vigils. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, his birthplace, crowds have gathered at churches and public squares, offering prayers for his recovery.
Meanwhile, in the United States, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the pope’s condition and was preparing an official statement.
“We are praying for the pope,” Leavitt said.
Impact on the Vatican’s Holy Year Celebrations
Pope Francis’s illness has coincided with the Vatican’s Holy Year, a once-in-a-quarter-century celebration of Catholic faith. This weekend, the pope was scheduled to preside over a special Mass celebrating deacons, a key ministry within the Church.
In his absence, the Vatican announced that the Holy Year organizer would officiate the Mass. Additionally, for the second consecutive weekend, Pope Francis will forgo his traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he could have delivered remotely from Gemelli Hospital if his condition had improved.
Despite his absence, deacons attending the Holy Year gathering expressed their continued spiritual connection with the ailing pontiff.
“Even though he is not physically present, we know he is with us,” said Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico. “His prayers and ours are united.”
Uncertain Road to Recovery
As Pope Francis continues to receive intensive medical care, the Vatican remains hopeful yet cautious regarding his recovery. With his condition still classified as critical, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the pontiff can overcome this latest health crisis.
For now, the Catholic world remains on high alert, holding onto hope and prayers for the recovery of the leader who has shaped the Church for over a decade.