Pope Francis suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning, requiring high-flow oxygen, according to a medical bulletin from the Vatican Press Office on Saturday evening.
The Pope’s condition remains critical.
“The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical,” the Vatican statement said. “Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger.”
Blood tests carried out on Saturday revealed thrombocytopenia and anaemia, necessitating blood transfusions. Despite this, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope remained alert and spent the day in an armchair, though he was “more uncomfortable than yesterday.”
“At the moment, the prognosis is reserved,” the bulletin concluded.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday, 14 February, with bronchitis. This later developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
On Friday afternoon, Professor Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical team treating the pontiff, stated that while he remained in a serious condition, his illness was not considered life-threatening. However, his respiratory crisis confirms he is not out of danger.
Angelus delivered as written text
The Sunday Angelus prayer will be delivered only as a written text, like last Sunday, announced the Holy See press office.
In the text of his Angelus address last week, the pope thanked the health professionals treating him at Rome’s hospital and said he needed therapy.
Jubilee of Deacons sermon prepared in hospital
Pope Francis has prepared the homily for the Jubilee of Deacons mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, despite being hospitalised.
The sermon was read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Vatican organiser of the Holy Year. A total of 23 deacons are expected to be ordained during the ceremony, which Fisichella will officiate.
The Vatican announced several new appointments on Saturday, including naming Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, archbishop emeritus of Warsaw, as the pope’s special envoy to the 1,000th anniversary of King Bolesław Chrobry’s crowning in Gniezno, Poland, on 26-27 April 2025. The event also marks the 1025th anniversary of Poland’s first archdiocese and metropolitan see.
