ROME (AP) – Pope Francis is currently in critical condition due to a complex lung infection, as confirmed by the Vatican. On Sunday morning, a brief statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that the pope had a peaceful night and rested well. However, the statement did not specify whether the 88-year-old pontiff was out of bed or eating breakfast, stating simply, "The night passed quietly, the pope rested."
The situation surrounding the pontiff's health has been serious. On Saturday morning, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and a complex lung infection. After receiving "high flows" of oxygen assistance for his breathing, the pope also needed blood transfusions due to low platelet counts, according to the Vatican.
In a medical update on Saturday, doctors reported that Pope Francis continued to be alert and spent the day sitting in an armchair, albeit with more pain than the previous day. However, they characterized his prognosis as "reserved," emphasizing the fragility of his condition considering his age and earlier lung surgery during his youth.
Prayers for the pope were offered at the Vatican on Sunday during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, an event Francis was scheduled to lead. Archbishop Rino Fisichella presided over the service in his absence, specifically praying for the pontiff's health and affirming that even in a hospital bed, Pope Francis is considered spiritually present amongst the congregation.
One of the major risks associated with the pope's condition is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that may complicate pneumonia. Although initial tests indicated no signs of sepsis as of Friday, the medical team remains cautious about this possible development. Saturday's blood tests did reveal a condition known as thrombocytopenia, resulting from the low platelet counts which can stem from infections or medication side effects.
Pope Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease and is notably susceptible to winter bronchitis, was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 due to a weeklong bronchitis episode that worsened. The doctors diagnosed him with a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection which subsequently led to pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed a treatment plan that includes absolute rest, cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen as required.
In light of the pope’s health crisis, rumors surrounding his potential resignation have emerged. The Vatican has taken steps to address these speculations, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasizing that what truly matters is the pope’s recovery rather than misinformation being circulated. He clarified that there are canonical procedures that need to be adhered to regarding a resignation, and stressed that there has been no recent meeting between the pope and the Vatican secretary of state about such matters.
Cardinal Parolin characterized the speculation as "useless," underlining the importance of focusing on Pope Francis’s health rather than on unfounded rumors. He noted that while it is common for rumors to proliferate in such situations, there is currently no movement or discussion regarding the pope’s resignation.
