The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Francis’ condition had worsened over the past 24 hours, now classifying his state as “critical” and adding that he required both supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
Pope Francis was taken to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after he had trouble breathing for several days, and there he was diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
On Saturday morning, the Vatican reported that the 88-year-old Pope Francis experienced a severe respiratory crisis resembling prolonged asthma, necessitating the use of high-flow oxygen.
The Vatican’s latest statement indicates, “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical.” It also warned, “The Pope is still in danger.”
The statement further noted, “The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is suffering more than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.”
In addition to oxygen, the Vatican mentioned that Francis also received blood transfusions to address a low platelet count, indicative of anemia.
A U.S.-based physician noted that the Gemelli medical team is likely using the transfusions to increase the Pope’s red blood cell and platelet levels, which are essential for clot formation and bleeding prevention.
Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and professor at Boston College, mentioned his insights are based solely on the Vatican’s public disclosures. He commented, “It seems to be under control, but his body is showing signs of difficulty in overcoming the situation.”
Earlier on Saturday, the Vatican declared that Pope Francis would not participate in the public prayer on Sunday with pilgrims, missing this weekly event for the second week in a row.
This absence marks the first time he has missed two consecutive Angelus prayers due to health issues. Despite having intestinal surgery in 2021, he conducted the Angelus a week later and only missed one in 2023 following another surgery.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection that inflames and scars both lungs, complicating breathing efforts. The Vatican describes the pope’s infection as “complex,” caused by multiple microorganisms.
During a Friday briefing, two doctors highlighted the pope’s increased risk due to his advanced age and frailty.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior doctor at Gemelli, expressed concern that the lung infection might spread to the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, a condition he described as “very difficult to overcome.”
Francis has been the pope since 2013 and has faced several health challenges over the past two years, particularly vulnerable to lung infections following a bout with pleurisy in his youth and the surgical removal of part of one lung.
