by InTrieste
Pope Francis remains in critical condition following a prolonged respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen, the Vatican said late Saturday, raising concerns over the 88-year-old pontiff’s health.
The pope, who has been hospitalized in Rome for the past week with double pneumonia and a complex lung infection, also underwent blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with anemia, according to a statement from the Holy See.
Despite being alert and sitting in his armchair, Francis was described as “more unwell than yesterday” and remains “not out of danger,” the Vatican said, adding that “at the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.”
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after experiencing persistent bronchitis and breathing difficulties. His condition has been the subject of heightened speculation in recent days, as the Vatican has sought to balance transparency with caution regarding the pontiff’s health status.
For the second consecutive week, the pope will forgo his traditional Sunday Angelus blessing, which will instead be delivered in the form of a written text, the Vatican confirmed.
Pope Francis, who has suffered from various health issues in recent years, has continued to fulfill some of his papal duties from his hospital room, though his schedule remains significantly curtailed as doctors monitor his condition closely.
The Vatican has not provided further details on the pope’s treatment plan or potential discharge, but officials emphasized that medical staff are closely monitoring his condition.
