Sunday – Pope Francis was conscious but still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen Sunday following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, as he remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection, the Vatican said.
“The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an early statement.
Further clinical tests were being performed on the 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, and a more detailed medical update was expected later Sunday.
Saturday – Pope Francis was reported to be in critical condition on Saturday following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains conscious, is receiving “high flows” of oxygen to assist with his breathing. Additionally, he has undergone blood transfusions after tests indicated a low platelet count, which is essential for clotting, as stated in a recent update from the Vatican.
The statement emphasized that the Holy Father’s condition remains critical, reiterating that he is not yet out of danger, a term that had not been used in previous communications regarding his health since his hospitalization on February 14.
Furthermore, the statement noted that the pope is alert and spent the day seated in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than the previous day. Medical professionals have refrained from providing a prognosis, indicating that it is “reserved.”
Given his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung conditions, doctors have characterized Francis’ situation as precarious.
Medical experts have also cautioned about the potential risk of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there were no signs of sepsis, and the pope was reportedly responding well to the medications prescribed by his medical team, who provided their first comprehensive update on his health.
Recent blood tests conducted on Saturday revealed that he has developed a low platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are crucial components in the blood that aid in clot formation to prevent bleeding and facilitate wound healing. Low platelet levels can result from various factors, including medication side effects or infections.
Pope Francis, who suffers from chronic lung disease and is susceptible to bronchitis during the winter months, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following a week-long episode of bronchitis that deteriorated.
Initially, medical professionals identified a complex infection affecting his respiratory tract, which involved viral, bacterial, and fungal elements, and subsequently diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs. They recommended “absolute rest” and prescribed a regimen of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen as needed. In an update released on Saturday, the Vatican acknowledged that Francis experienced an “asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, which also required the application of oxygen at high flows.”
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, stated on Friday that the primary concern for Francis is the potential for pathogens in his respiratory system to enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. This condition poses a significant risk of organ failure and can be fatal.
“Given his respiratory issues and age, recovering from sepsis would be extremely challenging,” Alfieri remarked during a press conference at Gemelli. “The English say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone can touch whatever they prefer,” he added, tapping the microphone. “However, this is the genuine risk in such situations: the possibility of these germs entering the bloodstream.”
“He is aware of the danger he faces,” Alfieri continued. “He has asked us to communicate that.”