Pope Francis Faces Critical Respiratory Crisis, Vatican Releases Medical Bulletin

Vatican City: Pope Francis suffered a respiratory crisis and his condition remains critical, according to a medical bulletin issued by the Vatican Press Office on Saturday evening. “The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical,” the statement noted, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Pope experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, necessitating the application of high-flow oxygen. The Vatican also reported that recent blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia, coupled with anemia, requiring blood transfusions. Despite these challenges, the Pope remains alert and spent the day resting in an armchair, though he is “more uncomfortable than yesterday.”

The bulletin concluded with a reserved prognosis, underscoring the uncertainty of the Pope’s recovery. Admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, the condition escalated into pneumonia affecting both lungs. On Friday afternoon, Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treating the pontiff, stated that while the Pope is not out of danger, his condition is not life-threatening.