Pope Francis Remains Critical After Respiratory Crisis: The Vatican has provided an update on the condition of Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition after suffering a long asthmatic respiratory crisis. Despite his critical condition, the 88-year-old pontiff continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than yesterday.
The Vatican has provided an update on the condition of Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition after suffering a long asthmatic respiratory crisis. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, is the first Jesuit Pope and the first Pope from the Americas.
He was elected on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis has focused on issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental protection.
He has also taken steps to reform the Vatican's bureaucracy and increase transparency.
As of 2022, he has issued over 80 apostolic exhortations and encyclicals, including 'Laudato Si', a landmark document on climate change.
According to the latest statement from the Holy See, ‘Francis continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than yesterday.’ However, the prognosis remains reserved, indicating that his condition is still critical.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been the head of the Catholic Church since 2013.
His health has been a subject of concern in recent years due to various ailments.
In '2014' , he underwent surgery for a benign tumor on his colon.
In '2020' , he had a lung infection and was hospitalized for several days.
As of '2022' , Pope Francis has reduced his public appearances and engagements due to ongoing health issues, including knee pain and fatigue.
His doctors have stated that he is being treated with medication and rest.
Doctors have warned that the main threat facing Pope Francis is the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. ‘Sepsis would be particularly challenging to treat due to Francis’ respiratory problems and advanced age.’
The Vatican has continued with its Holy Year celebrations without the pope’s physical presence on Saturday. In his place, the Holy Year organizer will celebrate Sunday’s Mass. The traditional Sunday noon blessing, which Pope Francis usually delivers from Gemelli hospital if he is able, will be skipped for the second weekend in a row.
Despite his critical condition, Pope Francis‘ cardinals have begun speculating about the possibility of his resignation if he becomes irreversibly sick and unable to carry out his duties. However, ‘Francis has shown no signs of stepping down and has recently asserted that the job of pope is for life.’
Pope’s Recovery Will Take Time
Doctors have emphasized that Pope Francis’ recovery will take time, and even after his hospital stay, he will still have to live with his chronic respiratory problems back at the Vatican. The Vatican carried on with its Holy Year celebrations without the pope on Saturday, a testament to the resilience of the Catholic community.
Support for Pope Francis
As the world prays for Pope Francis’ recovery, many are sending messages of support and solidarity. ‘Look, even though he’s not (physically) here, we know he’s here,’ said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico who was at the Vatican on Saturday for the Jubilee celebration. ‘He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts and is accompanying us because our prayers and his go together.’
The outpouring of support for Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the deep affection and respect that people around the world have for the leader of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and environmental protection since his election in 2013.
He has spoken out on issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
In 2015, he released the encyclical 'Laudato Si', which emphasized the need for sustainable living and care for the environment.
Pope Francis has also taken steps to reform the Catholic Church's governance and increase transparency.
According to a 2020 survey, 71% of Catholics worldwide approve of his leadership.
