Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, because of complications from bronchitis.

Things haven't gotten any better since then.

The New York Post is reporting that Pope Francis is currently in critical condition following blood transfusions after his health took a turn for the worse.

After being hospitalized in order to speed up his recovery from bronchitis, it seems as though complication after complication has followed. First, the pope developed pneumonia in one lung, then the other. The condition then spread to the rest of his respiratory tract, where he contracted a mix of infections.

Polymicrobial Respiratory Tract Infection

A polymicrobial respiratory tract infection means there's a mix of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites growing in somebody's lungs, according to the Associated Press.

"Often times, people will get a bronchitis or an airway infection and that can often start a cascade of multiple problems, including infections in the lungs," said Maor Sauler, a specialist of adult pulmonary and critical care medicine at Yale University’s School of Medicine. "It likely means he has more than one organism in his lungs."

It's as serious as it sounds, especially because Pope Francis has had lung problems before. He had to have part of one of his lungs removed after a pulmonary infection as a young man.

A few days after the diagnosis, Pope Francis suffered a "respiratory crisis" and is now in critical condition. Things are so bad that Pope Francis is requiring blood transfusions and oxygen treatments.

On the evening of February 22, the Vatican Press Office gave the following health update on their Holy Father:

The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.

Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.

Moving forward

On the morning of February 23, Pope Francis sent a message to the world sharing his gratitude, which confirms he's still alert enough to be reading letters and messages.

"I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," Pope Francis wrote on social media. "Thank you for your closeness and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!"

I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 23, 2025

Pope Francis is 88 years old, so whipping this illness will be no easy feat. No matter the odds, his followers will be praying he does just that.