Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a complex lung infection that has led to the early stages of kidney insufficiency. As per reports, the Pope has spent over ten days in the hospital.
What happened to Pope Francis?
The current sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis‘ health issues have raised concerns among his followers. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church is suffering from a lung infection and the early stages of kidney failure. As per reports, he is currently “resting well” after being in critical care.
AP reported that the Pope is not receiving artificial or liquid nutrition, as he is in “good spirits” and continues to feed himself. Despite being in critical care, Pope Francis has not shown any signs of deteriorating respiratory crises since Saturday, February 22.
Previously, Francis was taken to the hospital after developing pneumonia in both of his lungs. He was receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen. The doctors have revealed that the Pope’s condition is “touch-and-go” due to his age and the pre-existing lung disease.
Pope Francis is admitted to Gemelli Hospital. Reports reveal his complex lung problems include bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infections that led to the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis attended the mass at the hospital on Sunday, February 23, even while battling his critical condition. The Vatican City addressed the Pope’s health condition in an official statement.
It read, “The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented. This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.”
Pope’s blood tests have revealed thrombocytopenia, a condition in which patients have a low blood platelet count. The Vatican City head needs to receive blood transfusions. He has got two units of concentrated red blood cells with “beneficial effects.” Currently, his hemoglobin levels have risen, the Vatican noted.
Earlier, Pope Francis had visited the Gemelli hospital a few times. He suffered from flu-like symptoms in 2024. A year earlier, Pope Francis had bronchitis. After going through antibiotics administered for bronchitis, Pope recovered quickly. After coming out of the hospital, he had jokingly told reporters, “I’m still alive.”
