Pope Francis in critical condition after severe respiratory crisis
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The pontiff is still hospitalized with a severe lung infection, receiving high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions.
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Catholics gather at the Manila Cathedral in Manila, Philippines on Friday, February 21, 2025, to pray for the healing and recovery of Pope Francis as part of a nationwide call for prayers initiated by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines. (AP)
Pope Francis was in critical condition on Saturday following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff remains conscious and has been receiving “high flows” of oxygen to assist his breathing. Due to low platelet counts—essential for blood clotting—he also underwent blood transfusions, the Vatican said in a late update.
Francis has been hospitalized for a week at Gemelli Hospital in Rome with a serious lung infection. Despite being “alert” and spending the day in an armchair, the Vatican noted he was in “more pain than yesterday” and that his prognosis remains uncertain.
Doctors have warned that his primary risk is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can complicate pneumonia. However, as of Friday, there were no signs of sepsis, and Francis was responding to his medications.
Saturday’s tests revealed a low platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia, which can result from infections or medication side effects, according to the US National Institutes of Health.
'He knows he's in danger'
Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted on 14 February after his bronchitis worsened. Physicians diagnosed him with a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection, followed by pneumonia affecting both lungs. He was prescribed “absolute rest,” cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen when needed.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “He knows he’s in danger,” he said. “And he told us to relay that.”
Meanwhile, Vatican officials sought to dismiss speculation about a possible resignation. There is no provision in canon law for handling the incapacitation of a pope, though Francis has previously stated that he wrote a resignation letter to be used if he were unable to make decisions.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed the rumors in an interview with Corriere della Sera, following an official Vatican denial of an Italian media report claiming he and the pope’s chief canonist had secretly visited Francis in the hospital.
Parolin downplayed the speculation, saying such discussions were “useless” and that the focus should remain on the pope’s recovery.
“On the other hand, I think it is quite normal that in these situations uncontrolled rumours can spread or some misplaced comment is uttered. It is certainly not the first time it has happened,” Parolin said.
“However, I don’t think there is any particular movement, and so far I haven’t heard anything like that.”
