
CNA Newsroom, Feb 22, 2025 / 14:11 pm (CNA).
Pope Francis remains in critical condition and “is not out of danger,” the Holy See Press Office announced Saturday evening in Rome.
The 88-year-old pontiff “experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity” Saturday morning that required the administration of high-flow oxygen, according to the Vatican’s medical update.
Blood tests revealed a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), associated with anemia, which required blood transfusions.
While the Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, he is “more uncomfortable than yesterday,” the statement said, describing the prognosis as guarded.
The Vatican confirmed earlier Saturday that the pope will not lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer on Feb. 23. During a press conference at the Gemelli hospital on Friday, the medical team caring for the pontiff had described his condition as serious, noting that Pope Francis was fully aware of his situation.
If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!
Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
My prayers.
Prayers for a happy death when that moment arrives. Prayers, too, that Francis’ successor will be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.