Pope Francis Experienced Breathing Difficulties at One Point... "Condition Still Critical"

Pope Francis, who was diagnosed with pneumonia, is still in critical condition, at one point showing symptoms of respiratory distress.

Pope Francis waved to the crowd while delivering his Easter message at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on the 31st of last month (local time). On that day, Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the AP News and others on the 22nd (local time), the Vatican stated in a press release that "the Pope's condition remains critical" and "as explained the day before, the Pope has not yet escaped danger." This is the first time the Vatican has described the Pope's condition as 'critical' since his hospitalization.

He is also showing symptoms of respiratory distress. The Vatican said, "The Pope exhibited persistent respiratory distress similar to asthma this morning," adding, "He received high-dose oxygen therapy, and blood tests showed thrombocytopenia related to anemia, for which he was transfused." Thrombocytopenia can occur due to side effects of medication, infections, and other causes.

The Vatican stated that the Pope's future condition is uncertain. Considering the Pope's age of 88, his health status, and pre-existing lung disease, they regard the situation as risky. However, it is known that the Pope remains conscious, responds to his surroundings, and carries out daily activities.

If pneumonia leads to sepsis as a complication, it could become dangerous. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the Pope's attending physician, said at a press conference the day before, "Considering his existing respiratory issues and his age, it would be very difficult for him to recover if he contracts sepsis," adding, "The Pope is aware that his condition is critical and told us to convey this fact."

However, the Vatican is responding to rumors and speculation surrounding the Pope's health. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said in an interview with the Italian local media 'Corriere della Sera' regarding the possibility of the Pope's resignation, "It is an unnecessary rumor," and added, "It is common in such situations for uncontrolled rumors to spread and for some incorrect statements to be made, but there is no special movement related to (resignation)."

Recently, reports emerged that Cardinal Parolin and the Pope's chief canon lawyer secretly visited the hospital, leading to speculation that the Pope might be preparing to resign. The Vatican also denied these reports as untrue.

The Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on the 14th due to bronchitis. Initially, the Vatican stated that he was experiencing a complex clinical situation including 'polymicrobial respiratory infection,' but on the 18th, it was announced that pneumonia was confirmed in both lungs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.