Pope Francis' health has worsened, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. He has received supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests revealed an anemia-related condition.
Doctors reported that Francis has been battling pneumonia along with a multifaceted respiratory infection, conditions that are expected to keep him in the hospital for at least another week. In a recent update, his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, noted that while the pope is alert - spending part of his day in an armchair - he is experiencing more pain than the previous day, and his overall prognosis remains reserved.
The primary concern for Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease, is the potential onset of sepsis - a serious complication that can occur when infections spread to the bloodstream. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, explained that if pathogens from his respiratory system were to enter the bloodstream, the results could be life-threatening, particularly given the pope’s advanced age and existing respiratory issues.
Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following a weeklong bout of bronchitis that worsened into a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, subsequently developing into pneumonia in both lungs. His treatment has included a regimen of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen as needed, with his medical team stressing the importance of “absolute rest.”
Despite his critical condition, updates have noted that Francis slept well overnight, and his medical team continues to monitor him closely. His personal physician warned that even minor setbacks could have significant implications for his fragile health, emphasizing that “it takes very little to become unbalanced.”
Meanwhile, Vatican celebrations associated with the Holy Year proceeded without the pope’s physical presence. Deacons gathered for special Jubilee events, with one deacon from Puerto Rico remarking, “Even though he’s not physically here, we know he’s here. He’s recovering and is in our hearts.”
As the pope’s recovery remains uncertain, Vatican officials and his medical team continue to provide regular updates, while prayers and support for his recovery are being offered from around the world.
Catholics across Latin America prayed for Pope Francis as the Vatican reported he remains in critical condition at a Rome hospital. From Mexico to Argentina, the region rallied in support of the first Latin American pope.
Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
Vatican City, February 20, 2025 – Pope Francis will not appear in public on Sunday to lead his customary prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week of absence, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The Vatican reports Pope Francis is stable and improving while being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old Pontiff remains under medical care as Catholics worldwide pray for his recovery.
Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
The Trump administration has ordered U.S. federal employees to submit a list of their work accomplishments by Monday night or risk losing their jobs, raising legal and procedural questions over mass firings.
Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas meets its conditions, highlighting tensions over the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week amid European concerns over Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine and his outreach to Moscow.
Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau discussed the Ukraine war and efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade in a call on Saturday, ahead of a planned leaders' discussion on the conflict.
Catholics across Latin America prayed for Pope Francis as the Vatican reported he remains in critical condition at a Rome hospital. From Mexico to Argentina, the region rallied in support of the first Latin American pope.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
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The Trump administration has ordered U.S. federal employees to submit a list of their work accomplishments by Monday night or risk losing their jobs, raising legal and procedural questions over mass firings.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week amid European concerns over Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine and his outreach to Moscow.
Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau discussed the Ukraine war and efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade in a call on Saturday, ahead of a planned leaders' discussion on the conflict.
Catholics across Latin America prayed for Pope Francis as the Vatican reported he remains in critical condition at a Rome hospital. From Mexico to Argentina, the region rallied in support of the first Latin American pope.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. is close to an agreement with Ukraine on sharing mineral revenue as part of efforts to end the war, aiming to recoup military aid sent to Kyiv.
The Trump administration has ordered U.S. federal employees to submit a list of their work accomplishments by Monday night or risk losing their jobs, raising legal and procedural questions over mass firings.
Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas meets its conditions, highlighting tensions over the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week amid European concerns over Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine and his outreach to Moscow.
Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau discussed the Ukraine war and efforts to combat the illegal fentanyl trade in a call on Saturday, ahead of a planned leaders' discussion on the conflict.
Catholics across Latin America prayed for Pope Francis as the Vatican reported he remains in critical condition at a Rome hospital. From Mexico to Argentina, the region rallied in support of the first Latin American pope.
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