Pope Francis’s health remains critical, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday, revealing that the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions.
Pope Francis’s Condition Worsens Amid Respiratory Crisis
The Vatican’s latest statement emphasized that the Holy Father is not out of danger, despite remaining alert.
“This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required the application of high-flow oxygen,” the Vatican stated.
Medical tests also revealed thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) and anemia, necessitating blood transfusions.
“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday,” the statement added.
Pope Francis is spending his ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was diagnosed earlier this week with double pneumonia.
Prayers and Speculation Over Papal Succession
As concern grows over the pope’s fragile health, speculation has intensified regarding a possible papal resignation—though the Vatican has dismissed such discussions as premature.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, told Corriere della Sera:
“Now we are thinking about the health of the Holy Father, his recovery, his return to the Vatican: these are the only things that matter.”
Meanwhile, nuns and priests worldwide have gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to offer prayers for Pope Francis.
“We are praying today for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and our hope is that he will recover well in the Grace of God,” said Brazilian priest Don Wellison.
Doctors Remain Cautious
Professor Sergio Alfieri, who leads the pope’s medical team, acknowledged a slight improvement in the pontiff’s condition, allowing for reduced medication. However, he cautioned that Pope Francis remains in a critical state.
“Is the pope out of danger? No, the pope is not out of danger,” Alfieri stressed.
Health Struggles and the Future of the Papacy
Since becoming head of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has battled several health challenges, including colon surgery (2021) and a hernia operation (2023). His frequent use of a wheelchair, due to hip and knee pain, further underscores his declining mobility.
Despite his condition, the pope has maintained a rigorous schedule, including a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific in September. However, his latest hospitalization has reignited debates about whether he might follow in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi has not ruled out the possibility of Pope Francis stepping down, while Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez has dismissed any immediate succession discussions.
“I don’t see a pre-conclave environment… So far, I perceive a lot of respect,” Fernandez told Argentina’s La Nacion.
For now, the world watches and prays as Pope Francis fights to regain his health.