Pope Francis remains in critical condition due to double pneumonia, now exhibiting slight kidney function issues. At 88, he was hospitalized on February 14 after a severe respiratory crisis that required blood transfusions due to low platelet counts. The Vatican reported his prognosis as “guarded” but noted that he has not experienced further respiratory crises since Saturday. Despite the serious infection, described as “complex,” the pope is “alert and well-oriented.” Pilgrims near the Vatican and the Diocese of Rome have been holding special prayers for his recovery. Doctors warn he is highly vulnerable given his age and health history.
Vatican City:
Pope Francis is critically ill for a second consecutive day as he battles double pneumonia and has displayed an “initial, slight insufficiency” in kidney function, according to a statement from the Vatican on Sunday.
The prognosis for the 88-year-old pontiff remains “guarded” following a blood transfusion of two units on Saturday due to a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,” as per the latest medical update.
Francis has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14. His condition was first deemed critical by the Vatican on Saturday.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical; however, he has not endured any further respiratory crises since last night,” the Vatican reported on Sunday.
Blood tests revealed “an initial, slight renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” pertaining to the kidneys’ waste filtration capabilities, the statement noted.
“Given the complexity of the clinical condition and the necessary waiting period for pharmacological therapies to take effect, the prognosis remains guarded,” the announcement added.
The statement characterized the pope as “alert and well-oriented,” and mentioned that he is receiving “high-flow oxygen therapy” via a nasal tube.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection affecting both lungs, potentially causing inflammation and scarring that complicates breathing. The Vatican described the pope’s infection as “complex,” involving two or more microorganisms.
Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has experienced various health issues over the past two years. He is particularly susceptible to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy in his youth and having part of a lung removed.
The Vatican disclosed on Saturday that the pope required blood transfusions because tests indicated a low platelet count, commonly linked to anemia. Platelets are blood cell fragments that facilitate clotting and prevent bleeding.
On Sunday, the Vatican reported that the transfusion had been beneficial, leading to an increase in the pope’s hemoglobin levels, a protein essential for oxygen transport in the body.
Additionally, his platelet levels were noted to have remained stable.
PILGRIMS PRAY FOR POPE
Nearby the Vatican, pilgrims expressed their concerns for the pope’s wellbeing.
“I am very, very sad,” said Elvira Romana from Italy. “I cannot comprehend how life continues as normal at this time.”
Matteo Licari from Sardinia expressed that he was “extremely worried.” “Let’s hope he can keep living,” Licari remarked. “We are eagerly awaiting his return.”
Outside the Gemelli Hospital, individuals gathered to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was frequently treated at the facility during his extensive papacy.
People left flowers and notes for Francis and lit candles at the base of the late pope’s memorial.
In a written message intended for his typical Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square, which he could not deliver for the second week in a row, Francis stated he is continuing “confidently” with his hospital treatment and expressed gratitude to his doctors and those who have sent supportive messages.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a prominent Vatican official, urged participants at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning to intensify their prayers for Francis.
The Diocese of Rome, which he presides over, held a special Mass on Sunday evening, praying for Francis to gain “the strength necessary to endure this challenging moment.”
On Friday, two of his doctors noted that the pope is particularly vulnerable due to his age and overall frailty.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of the Gemelli staff, cautioned about the risk of the lung infection spreading to the bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis, a condition that “could be very difficult to overcome.”
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