The Vatican has reported a decline in the physical condition of Pope Francis, the supreme leader of the Catholic Christian Church. He had been hospitalized a few days ago due to breathing difficulties.
The Pope is receiving treatment for several health complications, including asthma and pneumonia, is being administered high levels of oxygen to aid his breathing. This information was confirmed by BBC & Al Jazeera in separate reports on Sunday (February 23).
In a statement on Saturday, the Vatican mentioned, “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. The Pope is not out of danger.”
It has also been reported that the Pope had to receive a blood transfusion due to a decrease in platelet count. Despite his severe illness, the 88-year-old religious leader remains alert and can even sit in a chair. However, he is still being administered high levels of oxygen to aid his breathing.
Previously, Pope Francis was diagnosed with a “complicated infection” in his lungs. He is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Rome, Italy.
On February 14, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for treatment for pneumonia and lung infection. He had been suffering from asthma-related breathing difficulties for a long time. On Saturday, his condition worsened due to an escalation of respiratory infection.
In addition, a polymicrobial infection has been found in Pope Francis’ airways. Doctors have reported that his condition is very critical, he is far from being out of danger. There are concerns among doctors that Pope Francis may be at risk of sepsis (a severe blood infection).
However, the Pope’s medical team has stated that, as of Friday, no signs of sepsis were observed in his body, and he is responding positively to treatment.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Department of Medicine and Surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said that the greatest risk for Pope Francis is the possibility of developing sepsis. Sepsis could lead to organ failure, potentially result in his death.
Last Friday, Dr. Alfieri further mentioned that due to the Pope’s breathing difficulties and his age, his recovery has become very challenging.
It is worth noting that Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. He is the first person in the last 1000 years to reach the highest position of the Catholic Church without being European.
Vatican City, which covers an area of only 0.44 square kilometers, is an enclosed area in the heart of Rome, Italy. The city is situated on a small hill known as Vatican Hill, it has no natural water bodies within its boundaries. Vatican City gained independence in 1929, the Pope is the head of state, governing the city. Vatican City represents Roman Catholics around the world and serves as the global headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
LND/SAKIB
