Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized as Global Prayers Continue
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis spent his tenth day in the hospital on Sunday as Catholics worldwide offered prayers for his recovery. This came a day after the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition had become “critical.”
The Argentine pope is being treated for double pneumonia and experienced a severe asthma-like attack on Saturday, which necessitated blood transfusions due to a low platelet count.
On Sunday morning, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis had a peaceful night and was able to rest, suggesting there was no recurrence of the previous day’s crisis. However, he remains on oxygen support through a nasal tube in his private suite at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
In a message published Sunday, written earlier in the week, the pope expressed gratitude to hospital staff and trust in his treatment.
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment—and rest is also part of the therapy!” he stated, urging the faithful to pray for him.
Instead of his usual Sunday Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican released his message, underscoring his ongoing health struggles.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was initially admitted on February 14 with bronchitis. However, his condition has since worsened.
In a Saturday evening update, the Vatican confirmed that the pope was still in a critical state, though he remained alert. He spent the day sitting in an armchair but endured greater discomfort compared to the previous day.
The Holy See detailed that he suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis,” requiring high-flow oxygen therapy. Additionally, blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia—low platelet levels—leading to the need for transfusions.
Thrombocytopenia can increase bleeding risks, and according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), blood or platelet transfusions are typically administered to those experiencing severe bleeding or at high risk of it.
Italian newspapers reflected the growing concerns, with Corriere della Sera headlining, “The Pope Gets Worse,” while La Repubblica described it as the “darkest day” at the Vatican.
Supporters have been lighting candles outside Gemelli Hospital since his admission, and a special mass was scheduled in Rome on Sunday evening to pray for his recovery.
