Condition of the Pope “continued critical”

Sick pontifex

Vatican: Condition of the Pope “still critical”

The Pope has been in the hospital for a week – with pneumonia. After initially reluctant positive signals from the Vatican, Francis has now deteriorated.

The condition of Pope Francis has deteriorated according to the Vatican. “The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical,” said the spokesman for the Holy Chair. In the morning, the 88-year-old appeared a “persistent asthmatic respiratory crisis” that required the administration of oxygen. Francis was awake and spent the day in an armchair, albeit with severe pain than usual.

The head of the Catholic Church has been treated in hospital in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome since Friday last week. A few days ago, the doctors found pneumonia on both sides. The clinical picture is therefore complex overall. Francis also suffers from a respiratory infection with various pathogens.

One of the treating doctors said on Friday that the Pope was not yet out of danger. Complications cannot currently be ruled out.

In the case of blood tests, a lack of thrombocytes, i.e. platelets, has now also been determined. For this reason, according to the speaker, Francis received blood transfusions.

Since the diagnosis of pneumonia, the Vatican has come from the Vatican in the past few days, and there was sometimes talk of a “slight improvement”. In view of the investigations, the Vatican only speaks of an overall “reserved forecast”.

Two treating doctors had already explained on Friday that Francis received additional oxygen via so -called nasal glasses if necessary. They also emphasized that Francis currently has the greatest danger that he could lead to sepsis, i.e. severe blood poisoning. This development would be one of the most threatening complications. In the worst case, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.

In front of the Gemelli Clinic, believers gathered again on Saturday for prayer for the Pope. Priests, nuns and hospital visitors prayed in several languages ​​on the clinic’s forecourt.

Since the delivery, people have repeatedly come to the large statue of Francis “predecessor Pope John Paul II and place candles, letters and rosaries for the sick Pope. The concern among believers worldwide is great in view of Francis’ health.