POPE Francis’ health has taken a concerning turn. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for over a week with a complex lung infection, experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday, requiring high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions.
The Vatican released a statement late in the day indicating that tests revealed a condition associated with anemia, necessitating the transfusions.
While remaining alert and spending the day in an armchair, the Pope is reportedly experiencing more pain than previously. The Vatican’s statement described the prognosis as “reserved,” a term suggesting a guarded outlook. Holy Year celebrations continued in Rome without the Pope’s presence.
Earlier reports had indicated that the Pope had slept well overnight. However, Professor Sergio Alfieri, a member of the Pope’s medical team, cautioned on Friday that the Pope’s condition remains serious and that he is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week.
Alfieri confirmed that the Pope is aware of the severity of his illness, stating that the pontiff himself acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Alfieri also described the Pope’s experience with shortness of breath as unpleasant.
