International-News

Apprehension for Pope Francis in critical condition: respiratory crisis and complications

The 88-year-old pontiff continues to battle bilateral pneumonia and new health problems. Doctors at the Gemelli keep the prognosis reserved

The Vatican announced today, 22 February, that Pope Francis is still in a reserved prognosis. The Pontiff, admitted since 14 February to the Gemelli Hospital for bilateral pneumonia, had a new respiratory crisis this morning, further complicating his clinical picture.

‘The Holy Father’s condition remains critical, therefore, as already reported yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,’ the Vatican said in today’s bulletin. The respiratory crisis, described as asthmatic, required the use of high-flow oxygen to aid breathing. Blood tests carried out earlier in the day also showed plateletopenia (low platelet count) associated with anaemia, requiring the administration of haemotransfusions.

Despite his serious condition, the Pope remained alert and spent the day in an armchair, although in more pain than in previous days. Today’s bulletin introduced clinical details not present in previous communications, highlighting the delicacy of the situation.

Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, interviewed by Adnkronos Health, expressed concern about the course of the disease. ‘The clinical picture shows the difficulty of the patient’s reaction to the therapy. There is not only pneumonia, but also asthmatic bronchitis, a pre-existing condition that further complicates the improvement of the lungs.’

The reserved prognosis has been maintained in view of the Pontiff’s advanced age and basic health condition. ‘We hope that the Pope will be able to overcome this delicate moment,’ Pregliasco concluded.

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