Vatican City, February 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: The health of Pope Francis has worsened over the past 24 hours, the Vatican confirmed in a statement on Saturday, more than a week after he was admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulties.
“The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is more unwell than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican stated.
The 88-year-old pontiff suffered a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis, which required blood transfusions, the statement added. Doctors had to administer a “high flow” of oxygen to assist his breathing. The transfusions became necessary after tests revealed a low platelet count, a condition linked to anemia.
Pope Francis’ Condition Remains Critical
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical,” the Vatican confirmed, adding that “the Pope is not out of danger.”
This latest update, drafted by Francis’ medical team, marked the first time the Vatican has described the pope’s prognosis as “critical”, indicating that his condition requires constant monitoring.
The religious leader was admitted to a hospital in Rome over a week ago with pneumonia and a complex lung infection. Double pneumonia can inflame and scar both lungs, significantly affecting breathing. The Vatican previously stated that the infection is caused by two or more micro-organisms, making it particularly difficult to treat.
Concerns Over Pope’s Leadership
Earlier on Saturday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not appear in public on Sunday to lead the Angelis prayer, marking the second consecutive week he will miss the event.
Francis has led the Catholic Church since 2013, but his worsening health has raised concerns about his ability to continue leading the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Over the years, he has undergone colon surgery, a hernia operation, and suffers from chronic hip and knee pain, which has confined him to a wheelchair.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis maintained a demanding schedule, including a 12-day Asia-Pacific tour in September. However, his latest illness has sparked speculation about his succession, though Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed discussions, calling them “useless speculation.”
