Pope receives treatment for dangerous double lung infection

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Pope Francis experienced a stable night of rest following a severe respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, according to a Vatican statement released Sunday.

The 88-year-old pontiff was taken to Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia affecting both lungs.

On Saturday, Vatican officials disclosed for the first time that the pope’s condition had become critical, necessitating supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions following an extended asthma-like respiratory episode.

A pneumonia in any adult must be treated aggressively. The Pope has double pneumonia, which means depending on the organisms, he could be on antibiotics, steroids, antivirals and possibly even oxygen. #PopeFrancis @JohnBerman pic.twitter.com/fDgQBnVr0p

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— Saju Mathew MD MPH (@drsajumathew) February 21, 2025

Sunday morning’s brief Vatican update simply stated: “The night was tranquil, the pope rested,” with additional information expected later in the day.

During Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Rino Fisichella urged congregants to intensify their prayers for the pontiff’s recovery. The Diocese of Rome scheduled a special evening Mass seeking divine intervention for the pope’s strength during this challenging period.

Medical experts note that double pneumonia represents a serious condition where infection causes inflammation and scarring in both lungs, compromising breathing ability. The Vatican has indicated that the pope’s infection is particularly complex, involving multiple microorganisms.

The current health crisis adds to Francis’s medical challenges over the past two years. His vulnerability to lung infections stems from a previous bout with pleurisy in his youth, which resulted in partial lung removal.

Local worshippers expressed deep concern for their spiritual leader. Italian pilgrim Elvira Romana shared her distress, while Matteo Licari from Sardinia voiced his hopes for the pope’s survival and return.

🚨🇻🇦 VATICAN UPDATE: Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition battling double pneumonia but had a tranquil night in the hospital. 🏥 Doctors are closely monitoring his severe lung infection, and he is receiving oxygen support. 🌍 Prayers are pouring in from around the world for… pic.twitter.com/FgIoGZYN8S

— Da Vinci | MEVX.io (@John_17o7) February 23, 2025

At Gemelli hospital, faithful gatherers congregated near a statue of Pope John Paul II, offering prayers, flowers, and candles for Francis’s recovery.

The Vatican’s Saturday statement detailed that the respiratory crisis demanded high-flow oxygen treatment. Additionally, blood tests revealed low platelet counts, necessitating transfusions to address anemia. Platelets serve as crucial blood components that facilitate clotting and prevent bleeding.

During Friday’s medical briefing, doctors emphasized the pope’s heightened risk factors due to his advanced age and general health condition. Dr. Sergio Alfieri of Gemelli hospital warned about potential complications, including the risk of the infection spreading to his bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis.