ROME.- The state of dad Francisco, 88, is still “critical” due to the bilateral pneumonia he has suffered for a few days. This Sunday, February 23, the Vatican reported that it continues to receive oxygen at high flow, while the prayers in the world multiply by their recovery.
“The complexity of the clinical picture and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to have effect require forecast Reserved, “the doctors said in the last bulletin.
The Supreme Pontiff is hospitalized since February 14 at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a bronchitis that became bilateral pneumonia. On Saturday 22, Francisco worsened by presenting “a prolonged asthmatic crisis, which required the application of oxygen”, in addition to hematological problems that required “the administration of a blood transfusion.”
Anemia improved and thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of blood platelets) remained stable thanks to the blood transfusions of Saturday, doctors pointed out that “some blood exams show an initial, slight renal failure, currently under control.”
According to sources from the Vatican, the Argentine Jesuit said in recent days: “I continue with confidence my hospitalization (…) continuing with the necessary treatments; and rest is also part of the therapy!”
For Fabrizio Pregliasco, an outstanding Italian virologist, the situation of Pope Francis is increasingly worrying. “The age of the Holy Father, as well as the history of health, such as asthmatic bronchitis, could have complicated things and not just a bit,” he said.
In turn, he said that antibiotic therapy should be expected to work “to avoid the risk of septicemia (…) that a fatal outcome can have. The Pope is undoubtedly in good hands but the next hours and days will be crucial.”
The hospitalization of the Pope, the fourth since 2021, raised a great concern for his health, already weakened by a series of problems in recent years, from colon and abdomen operations to difficulties in walking.
Prayers for the Pope
The prayers for the recovery of the Holy Father extend throughout the world and have organized in Rome, in Italy, even Argentina or Iraq. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, wished on Saturday night, on the X network, a “prompt recovery to Pope Francis, a great humanist who has opted for the poorest and for promoting fraternity between people and among nations.”
Other religious and political leaders have said that they are praying for the Pope, including the president of the United States, Donald Trump, which has been “informed” of the situation, according to the White House.
Héctor Armando Díaz, a 76 -year -old Argentine retiree, highlighted the Pope’s strength. “He is strong, it was always strong, but there is nature. I know he’s very serious and age. I hope he recovers, but it makes me pity,” he said.
At the entrance of the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, two televisions spread images of Jorge Bergoglio, before being potato, washing feet or giving masses in poor neighborhoods, as was his custom in Buenos Aires.
Also, a dozen churches in the Mosul region, in northern Iraq, celebrated masses for the health of the Pope. Francisco has always “supported the Iraqi people and the minimum we can do is express our solidarity, our love,” said Adnan Hadi, a university professor.
