Pope Francis continues to remain in a “critical” state but there have been no additional respiratory problems, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Sunday. The Pope is still receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and has undergone blood transfusions. Although he has experienced mild kidney issues, he remains alert and in good spirits.
On February 14, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to breathing difficulties. He was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican reported on Saturday that Pope Francis had a respiratory crisis and was in a critical condition. On Sunday, the Pope in his statement requested Catholics to pray for him, as he was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive week.
The Vatican’s Sunday statement also mentioned that the Pope participated in the Holy Mass in the morning, along with those who have been taking care of him during this time. The pontiff is more prone to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, as he had contracted pleurisy as a young man and underwent partial lung removal.
Throughout his 12-year tenure as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, the first Latin American and first Jesuit leader, has been admitted to the hospital on multiple occasions, including treatment for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr526605r3ro
