Pope Francis’ Health Update: Critical Yet Stable After CT Scan

Pope Francis’ Health Update: Critical Yet Stable After CT Scan

Pope Francis is currently in critical but stable condition following a CT scan conducted on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Vatican. At 88 years old, the pontiff’s health status remains a subject of global concern and interest.

Vatican officials reported that despite his condition, the Holy Father managed to return to work in the evening. He made a phone call to the parish priest of Gaza, expressing his gratitude for the prayers offered for his health by the community. This gesture highlights the pope’s enduring connection to the faithful even during his health struggles.

Vatican Statement on Papal Health

The Vatican released a statement indicating that Pope Francis’s situation is critical yet stable. It reassured that there had been no acute respiratory episodes and that his hemodynamic parameters remained stable. These medical terms suggest that while the pope’s health is serious, it is under careful observation.

The statement also detailed that a scheduled control CT scan was performed in the evening as part of the ongoing radiological monitoring of his bilateral pneumonia. As the prognosis remains guarded, the pope took time in the morning to receive the Eucharist and resume his activities.

Background on His Current Condition

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to a worsening week-long bout of bronchitis. Initially diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection that included viral, bacterial, and fungal components, he subsequently developed pneumonia in both lungs.

On Sunday, doctors reported blood tests that indicated early signs of slight kidney insufficiency, which they are currently managing. Importantly, he has not faced any additional respiratory crises since Saturday evening, a positive sign amidst ongoing concerns about his health.

Challenges and Care in Hospital

The pope, who had previously undergone surgery to remove part of one lung, is receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen to aid his breathing. Additionally, he was given two blood transfusions over the weekend to elevate his hemoglobin levels. Despite these interventions, doctors have conveyed that the prognosis remains guarded.

On Sunday, Pope Francis displayed alertness and engagement, even participating in Mass, further underscoring his resilient spirit during this challenging period.

The Risks Ahead

Medical experts warn that Francis’s age, health fragility, and existing lung disease put him at a heightened risk for complications. One of the greatest threats is sepsis, a severe blood infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.

Significance of His Hospital Stay

This hospitalization marks the 11th day that Pope Francis has spent in the hospital, which surpasses the longest previous stay during his papacy. In 2021, he was hospitalized for 10 days for surgery to remove 13 inches of his colon, indicating a pattern of serious health challenges.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York commented on Sunday about the collective concern for the pope, stating that the Catholic faithful feel united