Pope Francis’s health has taken a critical turn following a severe respiratory attack, the Vatican announced on Saturday, revealing that the 88-year-old pontiff required high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions to stabilize his condition.
In its latest update, the Vatican stated that while Francis remains alert, his condition is serious, and he is not yet out of danger.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical; therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” the statement read.
According to the medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope has been admitted for nine days, he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis in the morning.
“This morning, Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen,” the Vatican’s statement confirmed.
Additionally, blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia and anaemia, leading to the need for blood transfusions, the statement continued.
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Despite the severity of his condition, Francis spent the day sitting in an armchair but appeared to be in greater discomfort than the previous day.
As a result of his declining health, the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will not lead the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, Instead, the text will be released publicly, as was done the previous weekend.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced numerous health challenges over the years, undergoing major surgeries in 2021 and 2023. His latest hospitalization has renewed concerns about his ability to continue leading the Church’s 1.4 billion followers, sparking speculation about a possible resignation and succession planning.
When asked about the increasing speculation surrounding the Pope’s future, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin urged people to focus on Francis’s recovery rather than indulge in unnecessary speculation.
“Right now, our focus is on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican—these are the only priorities,” Cardinal Parolin stated.
Outside Gemelli Hospital, a small group of nuns and priests gathered on Saturday to pray for his recovery.
“We are praying today for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and we hope he will recover in the grace of God,” said Brazilian priest Don Wellison.
Professor Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, provided an update on Friday, noting that Francis’s condition had slightly improved, allowing doctors to gradually reduce his medication.
However, Alfieri warned that the situation remains precarious due to the Pope’s age and pre-existing health issues.
“Is the Pope out of danger? No, the Pope is not out of danger,” he emphasized. “But if you ask whether he is at risk of dying at this moment, the answer is no.”
While Pope Francis has previously expressed his commitment to serving as pontiff for life, he has also acknowledged the possibility of stepping down—following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
The pontiff has often joked about speculation regarding his health, especially from critics who oppose his progressive reforms. After undergoing colon surgery in 2021, he quipped, “They were preparing the conclave.”
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi has hinted that Francis stepping down is a possibility, while Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has dismissed talks of an imminent transition.
“I don’t see a pre-conclave atmosphere, nor do I sense more discussions about a successor than there were a year ago,” Fernández told Argentina’s La Nación newspaperm “So far, I perceive a great deal of respect.”
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Francis has maintained an intense work schedule, completing a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region last September. However, his medical challenges have increased in recent years, including colon surgery, a hernia operation in 2023, and chronic hip and knee pain, which often requires him to use a wheelchair.
As Francis continues his fight for recovery, the world watches closely, praying for his strength and resilience in the face of this latest health battle.
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