Pope Francis is still in a “very serious” condition after having severe breathing problems on Saturday, according to the Vatican.
The BBC reports that the 88-year-old Pope is “more unwell than yesterday” and has been given blood transfusions because of a low platelet count linked to anemia.
He is sitting in his armchair and is alert, but he needs a lot of oxygen to help him breathe. Doctors say his situation is still uncertain, and he is “not out of danger.”
The Pope is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The Vatican has been sharing daily updates about his health because Pope Francis has asked for transparency.
However, the latest update is the most serious so far, with no clear prediction about his recovery. Doctors had previously said his condition was improving slightly with medication, but they warned that even small changes could upset the “delicate balance” of his health. As one doctor said, “He is the Pope, but he is also a man.”
Pope Francis has a history of lung problems. When he was 21, part of one of his lungs was removed, and he has had pleurisy, a lung inflammation, in the past.
This makes him more vulnerable to lung infections. Over his 12 years as the leader of the Catholic Church, he has been hospitalized several times, including last year for bronchitis.
This news is worrying for Catholics around the world, especially during a busy Jubilee year for the Church. Many events are planned, and large crowds are expected in Rome.
However, the Pope will not lead public prayers on Sunday for the second week in a row. Despite being in the hospital, he has been active, praying in the chapel and reading in his chair.
Outside Gemelli Hospital, people have been leaving candles, flowers, and letters for the Pope all week. In St. Peter’s Square, there was no big crowd on Saturday, but people passing by said they were closely following the news.
One Italian man told the BBC, “We feel very close to the Pope here in Rome. We saw the latest updates, and we are worried.
The BBC has been providing detailed updates on the Pope’s health, and this report highlights the seriousness of his condition while also showing the global concern for his well-being.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0x3p1kglo