Pope Francis Battles Critical Health Crisis as Concerns Mount

Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is in critical condition following a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning, the Vatican announced. The pontiff, who has been hospitalized for over a week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, is battling a worsening lung infection.

A Vatican statement revealed that Francis experienced “an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude,” requiring high-flow oxygen. His condition is further complicated by chronic lung issues from a partial lung removal in his youth, as well as anemia-related concerns that necessitated blood transfusions.

Despite his critical state, the Vatican reported that the pope remains alert despite increasing pain. Medical teams warn that he is “not out of danger,” with sepsis— a severe blood infection— posing a significant risk due to his ongoing pneumonia and respiratory infection.

Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, initially diagnosed as bronchitis. However, his condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of double pneumonia caused by a complex polymicrobial infection. Doctors have prescribed absolute rest, cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen.

The latest update reflects a more serious outlook compared to earlier reports of slight improvements. On Friday, his physicians cautioned that while he was responding to treatment, his frailty and advanced age made his recovery uncertain. “He is on a golden scale,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone, Francis’ personal physician, emphasizing the precarious nature of his health.

As concerns grow, Catholics worldwide have expressed prayers and support. Due to his condition, the pope has missed leading the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. In his absence, Vatican officials are proceeding with Holy Year celebrations.

Pope Francis, who has led the Church since 2013, has faced multiple health challenges recently. While discussions about the future of his papacy have resurfaced, Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, have dismissed speculation about a possible resignation as premature.