Pope Francis’ state of health has deteriorated

According to the Vatican, Pope’s health of Pope Francis has deteriorated in the past 24 hours. The Holy Father has one “persistent asthma -like respiratory crisis” suffered and blood transfusions needed, the Vatican announced on Saturday evening. He is worse than the day before. “At the moment the forecast remains careful”it said. “The condition of the Holy Father remains critical.” Francis was awake and spent the day in an armchair, albeit with severe pain than usual.

The head of the Catholic Church has been treated in hospital in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome since Friday last week. A few days ago, the doctors found pneumonia on both sides. The clinical picture is therefore complex overall. Francis also suffers from a respiratory infection with various pathogens.

One of the treating doctors said on Friday that the Pope was not yet out of danger. Complications cannot currently be ruled out.

In the case of blood tests, a lack of thrombocytes, i.e. platelets, has now also been determined. For this reason, according to the speaker, Francis received blood transfusions.

Since the diagnosis of pneumonia, the Vatican had been reluctantly positive in the past few days. “easy improvement” the speech. In view of the investigations, the Vatican now only speaks of an overall “reserved forecast”.

Two treating doctors had already explained on Friday that Francis received additional oxygen via so -called nasal glasses if necessary. They also emphasized that Francis currently has the greatest danger that he could lead to sepsis, i.e. severe blood poisoning. This development would be one of the most threatening complications. In the worst case, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.

In front of the Gemelli Clinic, believers gathered again on Saturday for prayer for the Pope. Priests, nuns and hospital visitors prayed in several languages ​​on the clinic’s forecourt.

Since the delivery, people have repeatedly come to the large statue of Francis’ predecessor Pope John Paul II and place candles, letters and rosaries for the sick Pope. The concern among believers worldwide is Groß in view of Francis’ health.