Pope Francis remains hospitalized for pneumonia as his condition has been deemed "critical" by the Vatican. Reports indicate he continues to receive high-flow oxygen but has not endured any new respiratory crises since Saturday night.
According to the latest health bulletin from the Vatican, Pope Francis has shown some signs of stability. He has seen his hemoglobin levels rise after undergoing blood transfusions, and his thrombocytopenia has remained stable. Nonetheless, some blood tests have indicated initial, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14, initially for bronchitis, and his condition worsened over the weekend when he experienced prolonged asthma, requiring high-flow oxygen. Detailed assessments of his health revealed associated thrombocytopenia and anemia, necessitating blood transfusions.
Medical experts, including Professor Sergio Alfieri from Gemelli Hospital, expressed reserved opinions on the prognosis, emphasizing the fragility of the pope's health. "Is the pope out of danger? No, the pope is not out of danger," he declared during a press conference. Alfieri warned about the real risk of germs entering the bloodstream, potentially resulting in fatal septicemia.
Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco highlighted the seriousness of the pope's compromised condition, exacerbated by his age and pre-existing health issues. "We must hope the antibiotic therapy works to avoid the risk of septicemia, which can have fatal outcomes. The pope is certainly under good care, but the next hours and days will be decisive," Pregliasco stated.
Public concern for the Pontiff's health is palpable, with many people globally organizing prayers and masses. Notable leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have expressed their well-wishing, as has Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Cardinal Baldo Reina announced prayers dedicated to Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, emphasizing the need for divine intervention for the injured leader. Across Rome, groups of religious figures have gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, leading chants and prayers for the pope.
The hospital stay marks Pope Francis's fourth hospitalization since 2021, raising significant concern about his ability to lead, particularly since canon law does not clarify provisions for dealing with grave health issues.
Many faithful have taken to social media to express solidarity and hope for the pope's recovery, posting retro images of him addressing crowds alone during the COVID-19 pandemic, evoking memories of his leadership during crises.
Despite the challenges, the pope sought to send reassurance. He conveyed his trust and reliance on treatment through his weekly Angelus prayer message. "I continue to approach my hospitalization with confidence, following necessary treatments; rest is also part of therapy," he wrote.
His recent condition has sparked renewed discussions concerning the Catholic Church's future leadership and the sustainability of the papacy under Francis, who has shown unwavering commitment during his tenure as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The urgent need for prayer and community support echoes universally, as hope intertwines with concern about the pope’s health and the broader ramifications for the global Catholic community.