Great Concern for Pope Francis's Delicate Health

Pope Francis is in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis last Saturday, which forced doctors to administer oxygen. 

During the day, the Pope was alert and spent time in a chair, although he experienced more pain than the previous day. Additionally, he received blood transfusions due to a low platelet count, which is related to a case of anemia.

Despite these treatments, the prognosis remains guarded, and doctors express significant concern about possible complications such as sepsis, a severe infection that can be fatal.

The Vatican has emphasized that, although the Pope is not in imminent danger of death, his situation remains serious. Doctors also mentioned that it should not be assumed he is out of danger and that he will need to remain hospitalized for at least the next week.

The medical team is particularly concerned about possible complications arising from his medical history, which includes chronic respiratory issues.

The Pope has a history of respiratory problems since he was young, when at 21 years old, part of a lung was removed due to pleurisy, an inflammation of the membranes lining the lungs.

The Pontiff, 88 years old, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. Initially, it was thought that the problems were due to bronchitis, but subsequent examinations revealed he was suffering from bilateral pneumonia.

In addition to pneumonia, the Pope's doctors mentioned he was dealing with a "delicate" medical situation, as any change in his condition could affect his recovery.

Despite these health issues, the Pope continues to receive treatment and remains alert, spending time in prayer and reading, although he has been forced to cancel several public appearances and events.

The Pope has been unable to preside over the Jubilee celebrations, even though the year is especially significant for the Catholic Church, with large numbers of pilgrims expected in Rome.

On Saturday, the Vatican held the Holy Year events without the Pope's presence, and it was also announced that he would not release appearances on Sunday. This is the second consecutive weekend that the Pope has missed scheduled events due to his health condition.

Since his hospitalization, there has been great concern both in the Catholic community and among Romans, who have left candles, flowers, and messages in front of the Gemelli Hospital.

Despite the widespread concern, people in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, have not gathered, although many are closely following the Pope's health status. The Pontiff's followers, especially in Rome, expressed their emotional closeness to him and their concern for the situation.

The medical analysis also highlighted that, due to his history of respiratory problems, the Pope is at an elevated risk of developing a new case of pneumonia, which further complicates his recovery. On Sunday morning, the Supreme Pontiff had a quiet night in an apparent improvement of his condition. 

Despite this, some medical experts, such as Dr. Marc Siegel, were moderately optimistic, noting that the situation is critical but not necessarily desperate.

The concern for Pope Francis's health has mobilized both Catholic faithful and international authorities, including political leaders. The White House also issued a statement expressing their prayers and good wishes for the Pontiff.