The "critical" condition of Roman Catholic Pope Francis has drawn global attention. The Vatican issued a new statement on the 23rd, saying that Francis, who is battling pneumonia, had a "quiet night" at the hospital on the 22nd and was resting. According to reports from news agencies, the 88 - year - old Francis was admitted to the hospital on the 14th of this month due to breathing difficulties and has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia for over a week. He is currently being treated at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The Vatican stated that Francis suffered a "prolonged asthma - like respiratory crisis" on the morning of the 22nd and needed to use "high - flow oxygen" and receive a blood transfusion. "The Pope's condition remains critical, and he is still not out of danger," a previous Vatican statement was quoted as saying. This is the first time the Vatican has used the word "critical" to describe Francis' condition in a written statement since his hospitalization. The statement also mentioned that due to his advanced age, physical frailty, and past lung problems, his condition could change at any time.
Doctors at the Gemelli Hospital warned that the main threat Francis currently faces is sepsis. It is a serious blood - borne infection that can be a complication of pneumonia. Once contracted, it can lead to organ failure and even death in patients. However, according to a situation report released by the Pope's medical team on the 21st, there are no signs of sepsis in the Pope, and Francis has also responded to the medications he is taking.
Another report on the 22nd stated that a surgeon who had operated on Francis said that the Pope was not out of danger, but this did not necessarily mean he was at immediate risk of death, as "treatment takes time to take effect."
Francis has always been susceptible to respiratory diseases. When he was young, he had a severe case of pneumonia, which led to the removal of part of his right lung. In 2023, he was hospitalized again due to bronchitis. His hospitalization in February this year was the third time since he became Pope and the longest one. The report said that doctors had advised him to "rest completely," but Francis still carried out some work.
For many days, the Pope's physical condition has also sparked public discussions about his successor. There are reports that even if the Pope recovers, considering his age and physical condition, he may follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and voluntarily announce his resignation. The Vatican has refuted this. Vatican Secretary of State Parolin said, "These baseless speculations are inappropriate. What's important now is the Pope's health and when he will return to the Vatican."
However, some Italian media reported that Francis has recently made a series of important personnel arrangements and appointments, especially extending the terms of the Dean and Deputy Dean of the Vatican's College of Cardinals. The Dean of the College of Cardinals is considered the most crucial figure in the papal transition process, as he is responsible for presiding over the election after the Pope's death or resignation. According to Roman Catholic religious traditions, once the current Pope dies or resigns, the Vatican will issue a public statement to enter a transitional period. During this time, the management of the Holy See will be temporarily transferred to the College of Cardinals, and relevant meetings will be prepared to initiate the election process for a new Pope.
Confirmed by the Vatican, Francis will not attend the Angelus prayer on the 23rd, and the prayer text will be released in written form. According to past practice, the Angelus is usually recited by Francis himself. This is the second consecutive week that he has missed this prayer event. The Vatican spokesman also said that the Pope has received condolences from believers around the world and expressed his gratitude.
