Updated Story: Pope Francis in Critical Condition \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis while battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican confirmed Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions, with doctors warning that his age and pre-existing lung disease put him at risk of sepsis, which could be fatal. Meanwhile, the Vatican has dismissed speculation of a possible papal resignation, insisting that Francis remains fully conscious and engaged in work. The White House issued prayers for the pope, with President Trump preparing an official statement.
Pope Francis Health Update Quick Looks
- Pope in Critical Condition: Francis suffers a severe respiratory crisis amid pneumonia and lung infection complications.
- High-Risk Factors: Doctors warn that his age, frailty, and chronic lung disease make his condition unstable.
- Sepsis Fears Loom: The biggest medical threat is that the infection spreads to his bloodstream, which could be fatal.
- Oxygen & Blood Transfusions: The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen and platelet transfusions due to low blood clotting levels.
- Vatican Denies Resignation Rumors: Officials insist Francis remains fully conscious and engaged, despite speculation about a possible papal resignation.
- White House Response: Trump has been briefed on the pope’s condition and says the administration is “praying for the pope.”
- Holy Year Events Impacted: Francis missed a key Vatican celebration for deacons, as his health struggles continue.
- What’s Next? Doctors will monitor his platelet count and infection risk, while the Vatican prepares for any developments.
Deep Look
Pope Francis’ health took a serious turn on Saturday, as the Vatican confirmed for the first time that he is in critical condition, battling a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis, pneumonia, and a complex lung infection.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has a history of lung disease, remains conscious and alert but is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions as his platelet count has dropped to dangerously low levels.
Doctors have warned of the potential onset of sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection that could develop from his pneumonia and respiratory complications. Given Francis’ age and existing health conditions, his prognosis remains uncertain, and Vatican officials have declined to provide a timeline for recovery.
This marks the most serious health crisis of Francis’ 11-year papacy and has raised questions about the Vatican’s preparedness for an incapacitated pope, especially in the absence of formal procedures for papal resignation due to medical incapacity.
Pope Francis Battles Respiratory Crisis, Doctors Monitor Sepsis Risk
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, after suffering from worsening bronchitis that developed into pneumonia affecting both lungs. His medical team initially diagnosed a viral, bacterial, and fungal infection in his respiratory tract, which was later confirmed to be causing severe breathing difficulties.
On Saturday, the Vatican provided a critical update, revealing that Francis had suffered an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, requiring the administration of oxygen at high flows.
Doctors also identified thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which can be caused by infection, medication side effects, or underlying blood disorders. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and their depletion raises concerns about internal bleeding and poor healing.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, issued a stark warning on Friday, saying:
“Sepsis, combined with his respiratory problems and age, would be extremely difficult to overcome.”
He emphasized the potentially fatal consequences if germs from the pope’s infected lungs enter his bloodstream.
“This is the real risk in these cases,” Alfieri said. “That these germs pass into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, leading to organ failure.”
For now, the Vatican maintains that there is no evidence of sepsis, and Francis is responding to his treatment, but his condition remains serious and unstable.
Vatican Moves to Quash Resignation Speculation Amid Papal Health Crisis
With Francis’ condition worsening, speculation has swirled over whether he might step down, particularly since he previously confirmed that he wrote a resignation letter to be used if he ever became medically incapacitated.
However, Vatican officials pushed back against these rumors, insisting that Francis remains fully conscious, aware, and involved in Vatican affairs.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, addressed the speculation in an interview with Corriere della Sera, dismissing rumors of an imminent resignation as “unnecessary distractions.”
“In situations like this, it is normal for speculation to arise,” Parolin said. “However, what matters right now is the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican.”
The Vatican also issued an official denial of a report that Parolin and another high-ranking cardinal held secret meetings with Francis about a possible resignation, calling the claim completely false.
Despite his deteriorating condition, Francis continues to work from his hospital bed, although for the second consecutive weekend, he has canceled his traditional Sunday blessing.
White House Responds: “Praying for the Pope”
As global concern grows over the pope’s health, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation.
“We’re praying for the pope,” Leavitt said on Saturday, adding that Trump is preparing an official statement.
The White House has had a contentious relationship with the press in recent weeks, including a lawsuit filed by The Associated Press against Leavitt and other officials. However, Trump’s response to Francis’ illness suggests the administration recognizes the global significance of the pope’s health crisis.
Pope’s Absence From Holy Year Celebrations
Francis’ hospitalization has also impacted the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations, an event held every 25 years to mark significant milestones in Catholicism.
This weekend was supposed to feature special ceremonies celebrating deacons, who serve as ministers before becoming priests. In Francis’ absence, the Vatican’s Holy Year organizer will lead Sunday’s Mass.
Meanwhile, thousands of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square, expressing their solidarity and prayers for the pope.
“Even though he’s not here, we know he’s with us,” said Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, attending the Holy Year event.
What Happens Next?
With Pope Francis’ condition still uncertain, the Vatican is closely monitoring his response to treatment.
- Doctors will continue administering oxygen therapy and antibiotics while watching for signs of sepsis.
- If his platelet count continues to drop, Francis may require further blood transfusions or alternative treatments.
- The Vatican is expected to provide daily updates on his status, as the Catholic world prays for his recovery.
- Questions about papal succession may intensify if his health worsens, despite the Vatican’s current stance against resignation speculation.
For now, Francis remains in critical but stable condition, with the world closely watching as he battles his most serious health crisis yet.
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