It has been stated that Pope Francis’ health conditions are critical. It has been reported that he had an asthma attack this morning, so he received oxygen support and a blood transfusion due to a low platelet count.

The Vatican has released a written statement on the health conditions of the Pope, 88, who has been hospitalized since February 14 at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome due to the severe bronchitis he suffered from earlier in the month and who was diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and bilateral pneumonia: “The Holy Father’s conditions continue to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger”. “This morning, Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen”.

“Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions. The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and spent the day in an armchair even though he was in greater pain than yesterday”, explains the Vatican.

The Pope’s doctors: His health is improving, but he is not out of danger

The Gemelli doctors were said yesterday: “The Pontiff has been treated for a week for bilateral pneumonia at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome. In a briefing with journalists, the doctors who are treating Bergoglio explained: “The chronic disease remains. The Pope knows it. He said, ‘I realize that the situation is serious. ‘He will remain hospitalized at least for the whole of next week.“

A week after his hospitalization, Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treating the Pope, and Professor Luigi Carbone speak. The Pope has always wanted us to tell the truth. The chronic disease is there, and the Pope knows it; he said: I realize the situation is serious, but there are minor improvements. Age certainly does not help recovery. The Pope emphasizes Alfieri is not attached to any machine. He puts on nosepieces for a bit of oxygen when he needs it, but he breathes spontaneously and eats. “The real risk is that the germs pass into the blood”; fortunately, they are not there to date. The Pope “is responding to the therapies” that have been “strengthened” and “not changed”, but he will remain here for the whole of next week.

The Pope has the mettle he doesn’t give up, explains Dr. Carbone. He continues his treatment and work activity compatible with the illness. The absolute veto on visits remains, as does the prohibition on taking even the slightest draft. Meanwhile, outside the main entrance of the Gemelli, there is a coming and going of faithful who pray and sing for him.

There remains “uncertainty” about Sunday’s formula of the Angelus. When Bergoglio released the written text, the method of last week could be repeated.