Pope Francis is in critical condition.

 

ROME — Pope Francis is in critical condition as of Saturday, following a severe asthma-related respiratory crisis that necessitated high levels of oxygen, according to the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for a week due to a complicated lung infection and has also received blood transfusions after tests revealed an anemia-related condition, the Vatican reported in a recent update.

“The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than yesterday. Currently, the prognosis is reserved,” the statement indicated.

Doctors have stated that Pope Francis is fighting pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection, which remains unstable and will likely keep him hospitalized for at least another week.

Meanwhile, the Vatican continued its Holy Year celebrations on Saturday without the pope.

In a brief update earlier on Saturday, it was noted that Francis slept well overnight. However, doctors have cautioned that the main risk for him is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there were no signs of sepsis, and Francis was responding positively to the various medications prescribed, according to his medical team’s first detailed update on his condition.

“He is not out of danger,” stated his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone. “Like all fragile patients, they are always on a delicate balance: it takes very little for things to tip.”

Francis, who has a chronic lung condition, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened over the course of a week. Initially diagnosed with a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, he subsequently developed pneumonia in both lungs. The treatment plan includes "absolute rest," a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen as needed.

Dr. Luigi Carbone, who, along with Francis' personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, coordinated care for the pope at the Vatican, admitted that he insisted on remaining at the Vatican to work despite being unwell due to "institutional and private commitments." Before his hospitalization, Francis was treated by a cardiologist and an infectious disease specialist in addition to his personal medical team.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, warned that the greatest risk for Francis is that some of the germs in his respiratory system could enter his bloodstream, leading to sepsis, which can cause organ failure and death. 

“Sepsis, given his respiratory issues and age, would be extremely difficult to overcome,” Alfieri stated during a news conference at Gemelli on Friday. “As the English say, ‘knock on wood,’ and we say, ‘touch iron.’ Everyone can touch what they wish,” he added, tapping the microphone. “But this is the real risk: that these germs could enter the bloodstream.”

“He is aware of the danger,” Alfieri continued, “and he asked us to communicate that.”

Meanwhile, deacons gathered at the Vatican for their special Jubilee weekend. Francis fell ill at the beginning of the Vatican's Holy Year, a celebration of Catholicism that occurs once every quarter-century. This weekend, he was scheduled to celebrate the deacon ministry, which precedes ordination to the priesthood.

In his absence, the Holy Year organizer will lead Sunday’s Mass, according to the Vatican. For the second consecutive weekend, Francis is expected to miss his traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he could have delivered from Gemelli if he were well enough.

“Even though he’s not physically here, we know he’s with us,” said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who attended the Jubilee celebration on Saturday. “He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts, accompanying us because our prayers and his are intertwined.”

Doctors have indicated that Pope Francis' recovery will take time, and he will need to manage his chronic respiratory issues once he returns to the Vatican.