Pope Francis is in critical condition following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, according to a report from the Associated Press. The 88-year-old has been hospitalized for a week due to a complex lung infection, and the Vatican confirmed that he has also received blood transfusions after tests indicated a condition associated with anemia.
A Vatican statement provided an update on his health, stating, “The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved.”
Doctors initially diagnosed Francis with pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection, requiring him to remain hospitalized for at least another week. While he reportedly slept well overnight, medical experts remain concerned about the potential onset of sepsis.
“He is not out of danger,” said his physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone. “So like all fragile patients I say they are always on the golden scale: In other words, it takes very little to become unbalanced.”
In 2022, Francis confirmed that after he was elected pontiff he wrote a resignation letter should medical issues prevent him from carrying out his duties. The AP noted that canon law does not have a provision for what to do should a pope become incapacitated.
