Vatican sources reported that the pontiff did not receive a new blood transfusion as on Saturday, although it still receives oxygen, and that new exams had been performed
The, in a “critical” state for bilateral pneumonia, “spent a quiet night” at the hospital, said on Sunday (23), while prayers for his recovery intensify around the world. Vatican sources reported that the pontiff did not receive a new blood transfusion as on Saturday, although it still receives oxygen, and that new exams had been performed, with results planned for the night.
The Argentine Jesuit was hospitalized on February 14 at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, with a bronchitis picture, which evolved into bilateral pneumonia. Its state worsened on Saturday with “a prolonged asthmatic crisis that required the application of oxygen,” according to the latest medical report, as well as hematological problems that needed “administration of a blood transfusion.”
The 88 -year -old pontiff, whose medical diagnosis was “reserved” and had been “critical” health on Saturday night, wanted to send a reassuring message in the Angelus Sunday Prayer text. “I am still confidently with my hospitalization (…) following the necessary treatments; And rest is also part of therapy! ”Said the head of the Catholic Church in a message written in recent days, according to a source of the Vatican.
Next few days will be “crucial”
Doctors who take care of Pope warn of the fragility of his state since Friday afternoon. “Is the Pope out of danger? No, the Pope is not out of danger, ”Dr. Sergio Alfieri told journalists at Gemelli Hospital. “The situation is increasingly worrying,” said Fabrizio Pregliaco, a renowned Italian virologist, quoted on Sunday by La Stampa.
“The age of the Holy Father, as well as the health history, such as asthmatic bronchitis, may have complicated things and not just a little,” he added. “It is necessary to expect antibiotic therapy to work to avoid the risk of septicemia […] which may have a fatal outcome. The Pope is undoubtedly in good hands, but the next few hours and days will be crucial, ”estimated the expert.
Prayers by the Pope
Prayers for the health of the Pope have been organized from Rome, Italy, to Argentina and Iraq. “He is strong, has always been strong, but there is nature. I know he is in a very serious state and age. I hope he will recover, but it gives me a pity, ”said Héctor Armando Díaz, a 76-year-old retiree at the entrance of Buenos Aires Cathedral, speaking of his compatriot, the first Latin American Pope.
At the entrance of the church, two TV devices displayed images of Jorge Bergoglio before being a Pope, washing feet or celebrating masses in poor neighborhoods, as was his custom in Buenos Aires.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum wished on Saturday night on the social network X a “rapid recovery of Pope Francis, a great humanist who chose the poorest and promoting fraternity between people and between nations.”
At the other end of the world, a dozen churches in the Mosul region of northern Iraq celebrated masses to pray for the Pope.
Francis always “supported the Iraqi people, and the least we can do is express our solidarity, our love,” said Adnan Hadi, a university professor.
Other religious and politicians said they are praying for the Pope, including US President Donald Trump, who was “informed” of the situation, according to the White House.
Since Saturday night, netizens published hundreds of messages stating that they were praying for Francisco, some accompanied by a photo of the bishop of Rome alone in St. Peter’s Square during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Pope’s hospitalization, the fourth since 2021, has generated great concern for his health, already weakened by a number of problems in recent years, of colon and abdomen operations to difficulties to walk.
Jorge Bergoglio repeatedly said that the time has not yet come to resign, but his health problems have raised doubts about his ability to lead the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.
Despite the difficulties, the Pope has maintained an intense agenda in recent years, and in September, he made a 12-day trip through the Asia Pacific region.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Carolina Ferreira
