Pope Francis Faces Serious Health Challenge

Pope Francis is currently in a serious condition. He is in the hospital for more than a week now. He had a severe respiratory issue on Saturday. The Vatican said he needed extra oxygen because of it. Despite his health issues, he is still conscious and spent the day sitting up. He is in more pain than he was yesterday. He also got a blood transfusion to help with anemia. Francis was admitted to the hospital in Rome on February 14. He was first tested for a respiratory infection. Later, doctors found he had pneumonia in both lungs. This is not the first time he has had respiratory problems. As a young man, he had a bad case of pneumonia. He had part of his lung removed because of it. In 2021, doctors removed part of his colon due to diverticulitis. He was also hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023. In recent months, he has had two falls. He bruised his chin and hurt his arm in these falls. Doctors have told him to rest completely. Even so, he has been doing some work. He has been in touch with people in Gaza City. He has also been signing off on decisions from his hospital bed. Only his closest friends have visited him so far. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited him for a short time. Catholics around the world are praying for his recovery. They are hoping he will get better soon. People have gathered in churches to pray for him. They are sending him well-wishes and messages of support. One person even said he hopes the pope will have many strong years left.