Pope Francis spent his ninth night in the hospital as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office on Sunday morning.
As of this morning, the Pope is still using nasal cannulas for high-flow oxygen. Additional clinical exams are being conducted, with a medical update expected later in the evening.
On Saturday night, the Press Office provided an update on his condition, according to Vatican News: "The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen. Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions. The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."
During a press conference on Friday afternoon at Gemelli Hospital, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the lead physician overseeing the Pope's treatment, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of the Vatican's healthcare service, provided additional details to journalists. The doctors stated that the Pope would likely remain hospitalized "at least" for the next week. While they confirmed he is not "in danger of death," they also noted that he is not entirely "out of danger."
Dr. Alfieri clarified that the Pope is not on a ventilator but is still experiencing breathing difficulties, which limit his physical movement. When asked about the primary concern regarding his condition, the doctors highlighted the risk of germs from his respiratory tract entering his bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis.
Dr. Alfieri had confidence that Pope Francis would eventually be discharged and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, though he would continue managing chronic respiratory issues.
