Pope Francis in Critical Condition after Long Respiratory Crisis

Pope’s Condition Remains Uncertain

Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition after suffering a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican announced. The Pope has been hospitalized for a week with pneumonia and a complex lung infection, and has also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, associated with anemia.

Pope’s Prognosis Remains Guarded

The Pope’s medical team has described his condition as “touch-and-go,” indicating that he is by no means out of danger. The Vatican’s latest update on the Pope’s condition, which was released on Saturday, marked the first time the Pope’s prognosis had been described as “reserved,” which suggests it is in flux and requires close observation.

Doctors Warn of Sepsis Risk

Doctors have warned that the main threat facing the Pope is the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis, and the Pope was responding to the various drugs he is taking, the Pope’s medical team said.

Pope’s Condition and Treatment

The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors initially diagnosed the Pope with a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection and then the onset of pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed “absolute rest” and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen when needed.

Vatican Denies Resignation Rumors

The Vatican has denied rumors and speculation that the Pope might decide to resign, citing a lack of provision in canon law for such a scenario. The Pope has written a letter of resignation that would be invoked if he were medically incapable of making such a decision. The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has also dismissed rumors of a secret meeting between the Pope and his chief canonist, saying that such speculation is “useless” and that what really matters is the Pope’s health and recovery.

Pope’s Holy Year Celebration Postponed

The Pope’s illness has forced the postponement of the traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he was scheduled to deliver from his hospital bed. Deacons, who were gathered at the Vatican for their special Holy Year weekend, will instead celebrate a Mass led by the Holy Year organizer.

Conclusions

Pope Francis’s condition remains uncertain, with his prognosis described as “reserved” and the risk of sepsis a significant concern. Despite these challenges, the Pope’s medical team is working to ensure his recovery and restore him to good health. The Vatican has also moved to dispel rumors of the Pope’s possible resignation, emphasizing the importance of his health and recovery.

FAQs

* Q: What is the Pope’s condition?
A: The Pope is in critical condition after suffering a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.

* Q: What is the Pope’s prognosis?
A: The Pope’s prognosis remains guarded, with his condition described as “touch-and-go” and “reserved.”

* Q: What is the main threat facing the Pope?
A: The main threat is the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.

* Q: Is the Pope likely to resign?
A: The Vatican has denied rumors of the Pope’s possible resignation, citing a lack of provision in canon law for such a scenario.