Pope Francis in 'Critical' Condition Despite No New Respiratory Crises, Says Vatican

Pope Francis continues to battle pneumonia as he asks for prayers from Catholics worldwide amid his hospital stay.

 

Pope Francis is currently in a "critical" condition, as confirmed by the Vatican in their latest statement. Despite this, he has not suffered any additional respiratory crises. The Pope is undergoing high-flow oxygen therapy and has also received blood transfusions, while facing some mild kidney issues; however, he remains alert and well-oriented.

Admitted on February 14 to Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties, the pontiff was initially treated for bronchitis before the diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia. Recently, he was unable to deliver the Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week, prompting him to request prayers from Catholics around the globe.

Earlier statements from the Vatican indicated that the Pope had faced a respiratory crisis, leading to heightened concern about his health. In a positive note, he managed to participate in a Holy Mass on Sunday morning, alongside the medical staff caring for him.

Pope Francis, who underwent a partial lung removal following a past pleurisy infection, is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, an illness that can stem from various pathogens. He has experienced multiple hospitalizations throughout his 12-year pontificate. Notably, he is the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to hold the papacy.