After suffering an asthma-like respiratory crisis, Pope Francis required high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions but remains alert and in good spirits, according to Vatican officials.
Vatican City, February 23: Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for over a week, remains in critical condition after experiencing an intense respiratory crisis, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy, Vatican News reported on Sunday.
Despite his struggles, the Pope remains alert, spending most of the day seated in an armchair, though he is noticeably fatigued.
“The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” Vatican News stated.
The latest blood tests conducted on Sunday revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and anemia, prompting doctors to administer blood transfusions to support his recovery.
Pope Francis’ Medical Team: “Not Out of Danger, But Not in Immediate Risk of Death”
At a press conference at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the 86-year-old Pontiff is receiving treatment for double pneumonia, lead doctors Dr. Sergio Alfieri and Dr. Luigi Carbone stated that Pope Francis will remain hospitalized for at least another week.
While emphasizing that the Pope is not in immediate danger, they also acknowledged that his condition remains serious.
“He is not attached to a ventilator, but he is struggling with his breathing and keeping his movements limited,” Dr. Alfieri explained.
Despite his respiratory difficulties, the Pope continues to work from his hospital bed and maintain his characteristic humor.
“When one of the doctors greeted him with ‘Hello, Holy Father,’ he jokingly responded, ‘Hello, Holy Son,’” Alfieri recounted.
Doctors Concerned About Risk of Sepsis
Medical experts have identified a potential risk of sepsis due to germs in the Pope’s respiratory tract possibly entering his bloodstream. This remains one of the primary concerns regarding his ongoing health struggles.
Nonetheless, Dr. Alfieri expressed confidence that Pope Francis will eventually be discharged and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. However, he warned that his chronic respiratory issues will persist even after his release.
As the world watches closely, prayers continue to pour in for the Pope’s recovery, with Vatican officials remaining cautiously optimistic about his health.
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Pope Francis health, Vatican news, Pope hospitalization, Rome Gemelli Hospital, double pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, respiratory illness, Catholic Church, Vatican update, Pope Francis condition, religious news, global health, sepsis risk