Photo: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP / Getty Images
Pope Francis is in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday (February 22). The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pontiff required high-flow oxygen to stabilize his condition. He has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a complex lung infection, which has now developed into pneumonia.
The Vatican stated that Pope Francis remains alert but is experiencing increased pain. He also received blood transfusions to address anemia, a condition associated with low platelet levels. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, emphasized that the pope is not out of danger, and the risk of sepsis remains a significant concern.
The pope's medical team, led by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, has prescribed complete rest and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics to combat the infection. Despite the severity of his condition, the Vatican noted that Pope Francis has continued to engage in some work from his hospital bed, including maintaining contact with close collaborators and signing off on decisions.
Due to his illness, Pope Francis will not lead the Sunday mass or deliver the weekly Angelus prayer, marking only the third time he has missed this tradition during his papacy. The Vatican's Holy Year celebrations continue without him, with worshipers around the world praying for his recovery.
Pope Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having previously suffered from pneumonia as a young man, which led to the removal of part of his lung. He also underwent surgery in 2021 for diverticulitis and was hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023.