The Vatican stated that Pope Francis's health had deteriorated in the past 24 hours, adding that he suffered from a "persistent asthmatic-like respiratory crisis" requiring a blood transfusion. The Pope's health condition has sparked global concern, with many praying for his recovery.
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02-23, 2025The Vatican statement said: "The Pope's condition remains critical. The Pope is not out of danger." The statement also noted: "The Pope remains conscious and has spent the day in his chair, but he is more unwell than yesterday. At present, the prognosis remains guarded." Doctors are closely monitoring his vital signs.
According to officials, the 88-year-old Pope is suffering from a "multi-microbial respiratory infection," but little else is known about the illness. The statement said that doctors had to administer "high-flow" oxygen due to the Pope's respiratory crisis, and a blood transfusion was necessary because tests showed he had a low platelet count, linked to anemia. The medical team is working diligently to manage the infection and stabilize his condition.
The Pope was taken to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties. He was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, a serious infection that inflames and scars both lungs, leading to breathing problems. Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of Gemelli Hospital, said that there was a possibility that the lung infection could spread to his blood and develop into sepsis, which "could be difficult to overcome." The Vatican had previously described the Pope's infection as "complex," saying it was caused by two or more microorganisms. The medical staff are implementing aggressive treatment to prevent further complications.
At a briefing last Friday, his two doctors said that Francis, who has served as Pope since 2013, was very susceptible to infection due to his age and frailty. Out of concern for his health, the Vatican announced earlier on Saturday that he would not make a public appearance on Sunday to pray with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he would miss the event. The Pope's hospitalization is the latest in a series of health problems over the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young man and had part of a lung removed. The Vatican is taking all necessary precautions to protect his well-being.
Concerns about the Pope's health have prompted at least one cardinal to suggest that he might resign if he felt unable to continue. However, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin – sometimes referred to as the "vice-pope" – dismissed the suggestion as "useless speculation." Cardinal Parolin said in comments published on Saturday in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "Now we are thinking about the Pope's health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican. These are the only things that matter." The focus remains solely on his health and recovery at this time.
Previously, the Vatican issued a rare formal denial of a media report claiming that Cardinal Parolin and the Pope's chief canon lawyer had secretly visited Francis in the hospital. The implications of such a meeting would be significant, given the canon law that makes resignation legitimate, but the Vatican has flatly denied that any such meeting took place. The Vatican reiterated its commitment to transparency and accurate reporting regarding the Pope's health.
