Rome (AP) According to the Vatican, Pope Francis was in critical condition on Saturday following a protracted asthmatic respiratory crisis that necessitated significant oxygen supplies.
According to a late update from the Vatican, the 88-year-old Francis, who has been in the hospital for a week due to a complicated lung illness, also got blood transfusions after testing revealed a disease linked to anemia.
Despite being in more agony than he was yesterday, the Holy Father remained vigilant and spent the day in an armchair. According to the statement, the prognosis is currently reserved.
Francis had been fighting pneumonia and a complicated respiratory illness earlier, which doctors say is still touch-and-go and will keep him in the hospital for at least another week.
On Saturday, the Vatican continued to celebrate Holy Year without the pope.
Francis had a good night’s sleep, according to a quick earlier Saturday report.
However, physicians have cautioned that sepsis, a dangerous blood infection that can develop as a side effect of pneumonia, would be Francis’ biggest hazard. According to the pope’s medical team’s first detailed report on his condition, as of Friday, there was no sign of sepsis and Francis was responding to the several medications he takes.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, his personal physician, stated that he is still in danger. They are always on the golden scale, which means it takes very little to become unbalanced, as I say with all vulnerable patients.
After a week-long episode of bronchitis worsened, Francis, who has chronic lung illness, was taken to Gemelli hospital on February 14.
Prior to the development of pneumonia in both lungs, doctors identified a complicated respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They recommended complete rest, a cortisone and antibiotic combination, and more oxygen as necessary.
Carbone, who coordinated Francis’ care in the Vatican with Massimiliano Strappetti, his personal nurse, admitted that Francis had insisted on continuing to work there despite his illness due to both private and institutional obligations. Prior to being admitted to the hospital, he received treatment from his personal medical team as well as an infection expert and cardiologist.
Francis’s greatest risk, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, is that some of the bacteria that are currently in his respiratory system could enter his circulation and cause sepsis. Death and organ failure are possible outcomes of sepsis.
Alfieri stated at a press conference on Friday at Gemelli that it would be extremely challenging to recover from sepsis given his age and respiratory issues. We say “touch iron,” while the English say “knock on wood.” As he tapped the microphone, he added, “Everyone touch what they want.” The actual danger in these situations, however, is that the bacteria could enter the bloodstream.
“He is aware that he is in danger,” Alfieri continued. And he instructed us to share that.
Meanwhile, deacons were celebrating their unique Jubilee weekend in the Vatican. At the beginning of the Vatican’s Holy Year, which is celebrated once every 25 years, Francis fell ill. Francis was expected to celebrate deacons this weekend, a Catholic ministry that comes before being ordained as a priest.
According to the Vatican, the organizer of Holy Year will celebrate Sunday Mass in his place. Francis was also slated to forego his customary Sunday midday blessing, which he could have given from Gemelli if he were up to it, for the second consecutive weekend.
We know he’s here even though he’s not (physically) here, said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who attended the Jubilee celebration at the Vatican on Saturday. He is recuperating, but because our prayers and his are in harmony, he is with us and in our hearts.
In addition, medical professionals have stated that Francis will require time to recover and that he will also have to deal with his ongoing respiratory issues while he is back at the Vatican.
“He needs to recover from this infection, and we all hope he does,” Alfieri added. In actuality, however, everything is open.
By The Associated Press’s Silvia Stellacci and Nicole Winfield
Lilly Endowment Inc. provides financing for the Associated Press’s partnership with The Conversation US, which supports its coverage of religion. This content is entirely the responsibility of the AP.
