February 23rd 2025.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, is in critical condition due to a complicated lung infection. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Vatican reported that he had a peaceful night and rested well following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions. Although there was no mention of whether the Pope was up and about or eating breakfast, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that "the night passed quietly and the Pope was able to rest."
This update came after doctors shared concerns about the 88-year-old Pope's condition. He had previously undergone a surgery to remove part of one lung when he was younger, and now he was facing another critical health issue. On Saturday morning, he experienced a prolonged respiratory crisis, which was complicated by pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
To help the Pope breathe, he was given high levels of oxygen, and he also received blood transfusions due to low platelet counts. Platelets are essential for clotting, and the Pope's low levels were detected through tests. The Vatican also shared that although the Pope was alert, he was experiencing more pain than the previous day and was spending his day in an armchair. The doctors stated that the prognosis was "reserved," given his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung disease.
The doctors had previously expressed concerns about the onset of sepsis, a severe infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. However, as of Friday, there was no evidence of sepsis, and the Pope was responding well to the medication he was taking. On Saturday, blood tests showed that he had developed low platelet counts, a condition that can be caused by various factors, such as side effects of medication or infections.
The Pope, who has chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened. The doctors initially diagnosed him with a viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection, followed by pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed absolute rest and a combination of medication, including cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen when needed.
Amidst the Pope's health concerns, there were speculations and rumors about a possible resignation. However, the Vatican hierarchy defended the Pope and clarified that there is no provision in canon law for such a situation. The Pope himself has stated that he has written a resignation letter, which would be invoked if he were medically incapable of making such a decision. The Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, even gave an interview to address these rumors and reassure the public about the Pope's health.
Meanwhile, Holy Year celebrations continued without the Pope, who was supposed to lead the celebration of deacons this weekend. Instead, the Holy Year organizer led the Mass on Sunday, and for the second consecutive weekend, the Pope was unable to deliver his traditional Sunday noon blessing. However, deacons from all over the world gathered at the Vatican to celebrate and prayed for the Pope's speedy recovery. They acknowledged that although the Pope was not physically present, he was with them in spirit, and their prayers were united with his.
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