Pope Francis spends the ninth hospitalized night, but his condition is critical

Pope Francis, hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14, spent his ninth night admitted in a “quiet” way and “rested well,” according to the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni. However, its clinical status remains critical.

Despite a slight improvement in the middle of the week, in the last hours his health has worsened. On Saturday morning, the pontiff suffered a prolonged respiratory crisis due to chronic asthmatic bronchitis and bilateral pneumonia he suffers.

Doctors have pointed out that these episodes are especially delicate in their case, since it is a fragile, 88 -year -old fragile, with chronic asthmatic bronchitis and bronchiectasis conditions.

The medical tests performed on Saturday revealed anemia and a decrease in platelets, which could indicate an infection. For this reason, the specialists chose to make a transfusion.

Until Friday, medical bulletins described their state as “complex”, but on Saturday the situation was described as “critic”, reflecting greater gravity.

No Angelus for the second consecutive week

For the second consecutive week, the Pope will not perform the traditional prayer of the Angelus this Sunday at noon. It is the third time that this encounter with the faithful from the Apostolic Palace window; The first was in 2023 after intestinal surgery.

Following the medical recommendations, Francisco will not look out to the hospital window or send a video store from his private chapel. Instead, he plans to share a special message with the faithful, as he did the previous Sunday.

The news about the deterioration of his state of health has generated concern among Catholics. Dozens of pilgrims gathered in the vicinity of the Basilica of San Pedro to express their closeness and prayers by the Pontiff.

In addition, the patio of the Gemelli Hospital, where an imposing statue of San Juan Pablo II is erected, in memory of its pass Father.

This Saturday, dozens of priests, religious and laity prayed the rosary to request the healing of Pope Francis in a prayer encounter that adds to the numerous initiatives that are being carried out in different parts of the world.