Pope Francis is in critical condition, according to a statement from the Vatican.
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“The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than yesterday. The current prognosis is cautious,” the Vatican stated, as reported by The Associated Press.
According to Vatican News, medical professionals indicate that the pope is not in "immediate danger of death," but he is not entirely "out of danger" either. He will require hospitalization for at least the entire following week. Doctors are concerned about the risk of sepsis, a potentially fatal infection.
POPE FRANCIS DIAGNOSED WITH BILATERAL PNEUMONIA, SAYS VATICAN
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, stated on "Fox News Live" that he is closely monitoring the next 12 hours, emphasizing that this period is critical.
“This is a common complication in such cases, particularly given his underlying bronchitis and upper airway issues,” Siegel explained.
He added that, considering Pope Francis’ medical history, it is "very, very likely" he would develop pneumonia. Nevertheless, despite the challenges the pontiff is facing, Dr. Siegel expressed that he is "not in any way pessimistic" about the situation.
On Saturday, the Vatican conducted its Holy Year celebrations in the absence of Pope Francis. They also announced that he would not be making public appearances on Sunday, a pattern he followed the previous week.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Saturday that President Donald Trump had been "updated" on the pope's condition.
"We're praying for the pope," Leavitt said. "I'll let the president issue his own statement, but, of course, our thoughts and prayers are with him."
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing respiratory issues initially thought to be related to bronchitis. Doctors later diagnosed him with double pneumonia.
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