Pope Francis, who is currently battling double pneumonia and a severe lung infection, remains in critical condition, according to the Vatican. Blood tests have indicated early signs of “mild” kidney failure, though the 88-year-old pontiff remains conscious and aware. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he is the son of Italian immigrants. Upon becoming Pope, he chose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility and devotion to helping the poor.
Before entering the priesthood, Pope Francis earned a degree as a chemical technician and studied humanities in Chile. He later obtained a philosophy degree from Colegio de San Jose in Argentina. From 1964 to 1966, he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fe and Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires. He received his theology degree in 1970 from Colegio de San Jose.
Ordained a priest in 1969, Pope Francis took his final vows with the Jesuits in 1973. That same year, he became the Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, a position he held for six years. Afterward, he continued to teach theology as a professor and rector. In 1986, he went to Germany to work on his doctoral thesis. In 1992, he was appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires under Cardinal Antonio Quarracino and was ordained in the same year. By 1997, he became the Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and in 1998, he officially succeeded as Archbishop. He also became the Primate of Argentina and the Ordinary for Eastern-rite Catholics in the country.
In 2001, Pope Francis was made a Cardinal, but instead of celebrating in Rome, he requested that his followers donate to the poor. He served as the President of the Argentine Bishops’ Conference from 2005 to 2011. In March 2013, he made history as the first Pope from the Americas after being elected to lead the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has authored several books, encyclicals, and other writings, including his memoir titled Hope. His life and work have been the subject of multiple films, including Call Me Francesco (2015) and Francis: Pray for Me (2015). He also featured in the documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018), directed by Wim Wenders, and in Francesco (2020), directed by Evgeny Afineevsky. Additionally, the 2022 documentary The Letter: A Message for Our Earth premiered on YouTube Originals. In the 2019 film The Two Popes, actor Jonathan Pryce portrayed him.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, with the Vatican initially describing his condition as critical by Saturday. He required a blood transfusion following a prolonged asthma-like respiratory episode. While there have been no further respiratory complications since Saturday night, his health remains fragile, and doctors have expressed a “guarded” prognosis.
Currently, Pope Francis is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal tube. Though he is alert and oriented, his condition remains complex due to multiple infections affecting both of his lungs. Having previously had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy as a young man, the Pope is particularly vulnerable to severe respiratory issues, and he is prone to bronchitis, especially during the winter.
Doctors have warned that sepsis, a potentially life-threatening blood infection, is the primary concern due to the ongoing pneumonia. While no signs of sepsis have been confirmed, his low platelet count, anemia, and recent blood transfusions are worrisome.
