Pope Francis’ Condition Remains Critical, Vatican Says
Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after suffering a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old Francis, who has been hospitalized for a week with pneumonia and a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a late update.
The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, as explained yesterday (Friday), the Pope is not out of danger, the statement said. It was the first time "critical" was used, in a written statement, to describe Francis’ condition.
The statement also said that the pontiff "continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis is reserved."
Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch-and-go and that he is by no means out of danger. The update, which is drafted by Francis’ medical team but issued by the Vatican, also marked the first time the pope’s prognosis had been described as "reserved," which suggests it’s in flux and requires close observation.
The main threat facing Francis would be the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis, and Francis was responding to the various drugs he is taking, the pope’s medical team said in their first in-depth update on the pope’s condition.
Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened.
Sepsis, a Serious Infection, a Concern
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, said that the biggest threat facing Francis is that some of the germs that are currently located in his respiratory system pass into the bloodstream, causing sepsis. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
"Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of," Alfieri told a news conference Friday at Gemelli. "The English say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone touch what they want," he said as he tapped the microphone. "But this is the real risk in these cases: that these germs pass to the bloodstream."
Pope’s Condition Stabilizing, but Still Critical
Despite his condition, the Vatican hierarchy went on the defensive to tamp down rumors and speculation that Francis might decide to resign. There is no provision in canon law for what to do if a pope becomes incapacitated. Francis has said that he has written a letter of resignation that would be invoked if he were medically incapable of making such a decision. The pope remains fully conscious, alert, eating and working.
Conclusion
The Vatican has released an update on Pope Francis’ condition, stating that he remains in critical condition and that his prognosis is still uncertain. The main threat facing Francis is the onset of sepsis, a serious infection that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. Despite his condition, the Vatican hierarchy is working to tamp down rumors and speculation that Francis might decide to resign.
FAQs
Q: What is the current condition of Pope Francis?
A: Pope Francis is in critical condition, according to the Vatican.
Q: What is the main threat facing Pope Francis?
A: The main threat facing Pope Francis is the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.
Q: Has Pope Francis’ prognosis improved?
A: The Vatican has not provided an update on Pope Francis’ prognosis, but doctors have said his condition is touch-and-go and that he is by no means out of danger.
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