Pope Francis remains in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis over the weekend, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday, February 22. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to a severe lung infection, required high flows of oxygen and underwent blood transfusions to address an associated condition of anemia.
In an update on Saturday, Vatican officials stated that Francis remains alert but is experiencing increased pain compared to previous days. His medical team has described his prognosis as “reserved,” emphasizing that his condition remains serious. Despite these challenges, the pope reportedly spent part of the day sitting in an armchair, showing resilience amid his health struggles.
On Sunday evening, February 23, the Holy See Press Office issued another statement, confirming that Pope Francis’ condition “remains critical.” However, it noted that he had experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday. The statement further emphasized that the Holy Father “continues to be alert and well-oriented” while continuing to receive high-flow oxygen therapy through his nose.
Since his situation is “complex,” the prognosis “remains reserved.” While his blood platelet count has remained stable, some blood tests indicated “initial, mild renal [kidney] failure,” though this condition is currently under control. Despite his ongoing health struggles, Pope Francis participated in Mass on Sunday morning, celebrating with those caring for him at Gemelli Hospital.
Doctors previously diagnosed Francis with pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection, conditions that have kept him confined to his hospital bed for over a week. Medical experts remain concerned about the risk of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening blood infection that could arise as a complication of his illness. As of Friday, February 21, tests had shown no signs of sepsis, and Francis was responding to treatment, according to his medical team.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, warned that the greatest danger facing the pope is the possibility that the infection could spread into his bloodstream. “Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of,” Alfieri said in a press briefing on Friday.
Pope Francis, who has suffered from chronic lung disease for years, was initially admitted to the hospital after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. His treatment has included a combination of antibiotics, cortisone, and oxygen therapy. The Vatican confirmed that Francis had initially resisted hospitalization, preferring to continue his work at the Vatican, but his condition ultimately required intensive medical intervention.
Meanwhile, the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations continue in the pope’s absence. This past weekend, the Vatican was scheduled to hold a special Jubilee event for deacons, which Francis had originally planned to preside over. Instead, the event proceeded without him, with Holy Year organizers leading Sunday’s Mass. For the second consecutive weekend, Francis also missed his traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he might have delivered from the hospital if his health had permitted.
Pilgrims and well-wishers have gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, leaving candles, flowers, and images of the pope at the foot of the statue of Pope St. John Paul II in a show of support. Many faithful continue to pray for his recovery.
Despite the gravity of his illness, doctors stress that Francis remains a fighter. “He knows he’s in danger,” said Dr. Alfieri. “And he told us to relay that.”
While his recovery will take time, Vatican officials have yet to confirm when he might be discharged. However, they acknowledge that even after returning to the Vatican, the pope will need to manage his chronic respiratory issues carefully.
As the Catholic world prays for his healing, Francis remains under close medical supervision, facing one of the most serious health challenges of his papacy.
