Bilateral pneumonia causes breathing difficulties, leading t

Recently, the critical condition of Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church has attracted global attention. The Vatican released its latest statement on the 23rd, stating that Pope Francis, who is currently battling pneumonia, spent a "peaceful night" in the hospital on the 22nd and is currently resting.

Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, was admitted to the hospital on the 14th of this month due to breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for over a week now. On the morning of the 22nd, Pope Francis suffered from a "prolonged asthma like respiratory crisis" and needed to use "high flow oxygen" and receive blood transfusions. The Vatican stated that 'the Pope's condition remains critical and he is still not out of danger', marking the first time since Francis was admitted to the hospital that the Vatican has used the term 'critical' to describe his condition in a written statement. Due to Francis' advanced age, weak physical condition, and old lung disease, his condition may change at any time.

Doctors at Jiemeli Hospital have warned that the main threat currently facing Francis is sepsis, a serious blood infection that may be a complication of pneumonia. Once contracted, it could lead to organ failure or even death. However, according to the information released by the Pope's medical team on the 21st, no signs of sepsis have been found in the Pope, and Pope Francis has also responded to the medication he has taken.

On the 22nd, CNN reported that a surgeon who had performed surgery on Pope Francis stated that he was not out of danger, but this does not necessarily mean he is at risk of immediate death. "Treatment takes time to take effect.

Francis has always been susceptible to respiratory diseases. When he was young, he suffered from severe pneumonia, which resulted in partial removal of his right lung; In 2023, he was hospitalized again due to bronchitis. February of this year was the third hospitalization for Pope Francis to become the Empress Dowager, and also the longest one. The report stated that doctors had advised him to "rest completely," but he was still doing some work.

For many days, the physical condition of the Pope has sparked public discussions on his succession. It is reported that even if the Pope recovers, considering his age and physical condition, he may follow the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI and voluntarily announce his resignation. The Vatican has refuted this, with Vatican Secretary of State Parolin stating, "These unfounded speculations are not appropriate. What is currently important is the Pope's health and when he will return to the Vatican

However, some Italian media reported that Pope Francis has recently made a series of important personnel arrangements and appointments, particularly extending the terms of office of the President and Vice President of the Vatican College of Cardinals. The Dean of the College of Cardinals is considered the most crucial figure in the transition process of the Holy See, responsible for presiding over the election work after the death or resignation of the Pope. According to the Roman Catholic religious tradition, once the current Pope dies or resigns, the Vatican will issue a public statement to enter a transitional period. During this period, the management of the Holy See will be temporarily transferred to the College of Cardinals, and relevant meetings will be prepared to initiate the election process for a new Pope.

Confirmed by the Vatican, Pope Francis will not attend the prayer event for the Three Chimes on the 23rd, and the prayer will be published in written form. According to past practice, the Three Bell Sutra was personally recited by Pope Francis, and this is his second consecutive week of absence from this prayer activity. The Vatican spokesperson also stated that the Pope has received messages of condolence from believers worldwide and expressed gratitude.