Bated breath in Vatican as ailing Pope is put under close care
Anxiety has gripped the world after Vatican announced that His Holiness the Pope Francis VI is under close monitoring over his deteriorating condition following a recent health scare on the aging Argentinian.
According to the Holy See Press Office, it said Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth in Rome’s Gemelli hospital where he is being treated for double pneumonia. A statement shared on X yesterday stated.
Vatican said Pope Francis is in a critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high-flow of oxygen and is “suffering more than yesterday.”
He also had blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, which is associated with anaemia.
“This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen. The Pope also required blood transfusions. He remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is in more pain than (yesterday).”
The Vatican Secretary of State said the only matters of concern are the Pope’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith also says news of calls for the Pope to resign is unfounded. There has been an outpouring of good wishes and prayers for Pope Francis, as he continues to be hospitalized. The Press Office also emphasized that the Pope was responding to therapy but not out of danger.
The 88-year-old Pontiff who leads the world’s 1.39 billion Catholics has in recent years struggled with health issues.
The Pope was first admitted to hospital on 14 February after experiencing difficulties breathing for several days. He is especially prone to lung infections due to developing pleurisy – an inflammation around the lungs – as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.
At a press conference in Rome’s Gemelli hospital on late Friday afternoon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the Pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service emphasized that the “Head of the Church” would be hospitalized for “at least” the entirety of the next week.
There has been speculation about Francis stepping down from his duties as head of the Roman Catholic Church, a post he has held since 2013. His immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was the first pope in 600 years to resign.
In a recent memoir, Francis addressed the possibility of his own resignation if he became incapacitated. He said such a move would be a “distant possibility,” justified only if he were facing “a serious physical impediment.”
Flurries of goodwill messages are already pouring through with UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wishing the ailing “Head of the Church” quick healing. The UAE President prayed to The Almighty to grant His Holiness continued health and wellness.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director General in his message on X said; “Sending heartfelt wishes for a quick recovery, Pope Francis. Your moral leadership and compassion touch the hearts of millions, guiding us through challenging times. We are praying for your strength and well-being. You are deeply cherished.”
