Pope Francis is in Critical Condition

Pope Francis is in critical condition after what Vatican News describes as an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen. He is also suffering from thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count.

I have no idea what the cause of thrombocytopenia might be in Pope Francis’ case, but a Google search came up with information that said it can be caused by high doses of steroids. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve  had to take steroids, and I have noticed that, in recent photographs, the  Holy Father’s face has the bloated look that steroids can give people.

Send up a prayer for Pope Francis my friends. We need good and holy men like him.

From NBC News:

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after he experienced a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis this morning requiring high-flow oxygen therapy, according to a Vatican update released Saturday.

“The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican’s statement said.

The Vatican said the prognosis remains “reserved,” indicating a cautious outlook as medical teams continue to stabilize his condition.

Francis required an administration of oxygen and a blood transfusion on Saturday morning, according to the statement. The pope spent the day “alert” and sitting in an armchair, “although in more pain than yesterday,” the Vatican said.

Francis, 88, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 for bronchitis. Earlier this week, the Vatican announced he had developed pneumonia in both lungs. The polymicrobial infection had “arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics,” which “makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”

The pope’s diagnosis of pneumonia, combined with the new development that he needed a blood transfusion, raises concerns about sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s immune system starts attacking otherwise functioning organs, sending them into shock.