Pope Francis’ Health Worsens, Vatican Says
Rome, Italy – Pope Francis’ health has "worsened" since yesterday, the Vatican announced on Saturday, February 22nd, in a statement that emphasized that the pope’s "condition remains critical" and that he "is not out of danger."
The pontiff suffered an "asthmatic-type respiratory crisis" this morning, which "required the application of high-flow oxygen." "Blood tests carried out today also revealed thrombocytopenia (hematological disorders), associated with anemia, which required the administration of a blood transfusion. The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he suffers more than yesterday. The prognosis is currently reserved," the statement added.
In the midday update, the Vatican had announced that Pope Francis would not be reciting the public Angelus prayer before the faithful in Rome on Sunday. The text of his address preceding the prayer will be published instead of being read aloud.
In a brief statement, the Holy See said the pope had "rested well" during the night, without mentioning whether he had gotten out of bed or eaten anything in the morning.
The medical team treating him had already clarified on Friday afternoon, during a press conference, that a longer statement usually meant that the evolution of the pope’s health was not good. "Is the pope out of danger? No, the pope is not out of danger," Professor Sergio Alfieri had stated during the press briefing at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where the pontiff has been receiving care since his hospitalization.
Francis was hospitalized on February 14th for bronchitis, but the Holy See revealed on Tuesday that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, a potentially life-threatening infection of the lung tissue.
Pope’s Health Timeline
- February 14th: Pope Francis is admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for bronchitis.
- February 18th: The Vatican announces that the pope has developed pneumonia in both lungs.
- February 19th: A medical update reveals that the pope’s condition is "stable," but his prognosis remains "reserved."
- February 20th: The pope’s condition is reported to be improving, but he remains under close observation.
- February 21st: The Vatican says the pope is "resting well," but does not provide any specific details about his health.
- February 22nd: The Vatican announces that the pope’s health has "worsened" and that he is suffering from an "asthmatic-type respiratory crisis." He receives a blood transfusion due to thrombocytopenia and anemia.
The Vatican has requested prayers from the faithful around the world for the pope’s recovery.
