SUNDAY February 23, 2025 | TheNewsDESK
Pope Francis, who has been receiving treatment in the hospital for over a week, remains in critical condition after experiencing a severe respiratory crisis, according to a Vatican statement released Saturday.
“This morning Pope Francis presented with an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, which also required the application of oxygen at high flows,” the statement read. The pontiff is currently being treated for pneumonia.
Despite the worsening symptoms, the Vatican noted that Francis “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair,” though he is “in more pain than yesterday.” He also received blood transfusions to address anemia.
Earlier in the day, the Vatican announced that Francis would remain hospitalized and would not lead the weekly Angelus prayer, marking only the third time he has missed the event during his nearly 12-year papacy.
The pope “slept well” overnight at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, though doctors are uncertain how long his treatment will need to continue.
“Is the pope out of danger? No. Both doors are open. Is he at risk of immediate death? No. The therapy needs time to work,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who has previously operated on the pope.
The Vatican shared on Thursday that Francis has been responding “positively” to treatment, though he is expected to remain under medical care for at least the following week.
Addressing concerns about his health, Dr. Luigi Carbone from the Vatican’s health and hygiene office confirmed that Francis maintains his appetite and eats regularly. Alfieri added that the pope remains in good spirits, retaining his sense of humor despite his condition.
Once the acute phase of the infection is managed, Francis will likely continue his recovery at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
The pope, who received the Eucharist and continued light work activities following a slight improvement, was initially admitted to the clinic on February 14. Tests later confirmed pneumonia in both lungs after a CT scan.
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having lost part of a lung to pneumonia in his youth. He has also faced other health challenges in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and hospitalization for bronchitis in 2023.
As Francis recovers, supporters worldwide are offering prayers and well-wishes. In Gaza City, he maintained his daily phone calls with Rev. Gabriel Romanelli and Father Yusuf Asad despite his condition.
Only his closest collaborators have visited him in the hospital, though Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with him briefly on Wednesday.
“We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor,” Meloni shared in a statement.
Faithful followers have gathered in churches across the globe to pray for Francis’ recovery, from Argentina to the Vatican.
“We always put him in our intentions,” said Rodomina Valdez, a 45-year-old Argentinian worshiper. “But what we can do is put him in our prayers and offer fasting or in any case, some penance.”
Outside St. Peter’s Basilica, tourists and locals alike expressed hope for the pope’s recovery.
“I hope he gets well soon and that he can get back to his role,” said Gaetano Bavagnini, a Rome resident. “He is an extraordinary man and an extraordinary pope.”
Meanwhile, children from the oncology department at the hospital created colorful letters and drawings to lift his spirits, wishing him a swift return to health.
