Vatican Reports Pope Francis Remains Stable but in Critical Condition for Fourth Consecutive Day
Pope Francis, who is currently battling double pneumonia, is in critical condition for the fourth consecutive day. However, the Vatican has reported that he is stable and has not experienced any additional respiratory crises.
The 88-year-old Pope is spending his 12th night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking the longest hospital stay of his papacy.
The latest health update stated, “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father remain critical, but stable.”
The Pope’s prognosis is described as “guarded”. Nevertheless, his hemodynamic parameters, which assess the functioning of his body’s circulatory system, have also remained “stable”.
The Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis met with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, along with Cardinal Parolin’s deputy.
During the meeting, they discussed several pending cases for sainthood and announced new appointments that required the Pope’s consent.
Pope Francis has been working intermittently from the hospital as Vatican matters continue to progress during his illness.
The only other notable visitor to see the Pope was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited him on February 19.
Yesterday, the Vatican reported that although the pontiff’s condition remained critical, there had been a “slight improvement”. Additionally, a “mild kidney insufficiency” that was first noted over the weekend was not deemed concerning.
Today’s statement did not address any renal issues.
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Prone to respiratory infections
Double pneumonia is a severe infection affecting both lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring that can hinder breathing. The Vatican has indicated that the Pope’s infection is “complex” and resulted from two or more microorganisms.
Since becoming Pope in 2013, Francis has experienced several health challenges over the last two years. He is susceptible to lung infections due to having developed pleurisy in his youth and undergoing partial lung removal.
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square yesterday evening to pray for his recovery.
His friend, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, mentioned to Italy’s la Repubblica newspaper, “I think … it’s not time for him to go to heaven yet.”
Earlier in February, the Pope indicated he had a bad cold, which prevented him from delivering his speeches. In spite of this, he continued to hold meetings daily and participated in open-air masses, despite the cold weather.
Some well-meaning onlookers have suggested he should have prioritized his health, but Cardinal Maradiaga defended the Pope’s commitment to his duties.
“He is aware that he has a mission he must fulfill, and nothing can deter him. The Pope has expressed that he did not accept his election (as pontiff) to rest,” he stated.
