Cardinal Timothy Dolan, during a service at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, characterized Pope Francis as being in a precarious state of health, hinting at the possibility of him being near death. However, Cardinal Dolan refrained from divulging the source of his information. On Sunday, the Vatican issued a statement indicating that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remained critical, with a previous update from Saturday detailing a severe respiratory crisis. According to the Vatican, Pope Francis had to receive oxygen and a blood transfusion following a prolonged episode of respiratory distress reminiscent of asthma-like symptoms. In response to the disconcerting news, the Holy See Press Office announced that starting Monday, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin would preside over nightly masses with the cardinals in Rome at St. Peter’s Square to offer collective prayers for the Pope’s well-being.
Expressing deep concern, the Pope’s cousin, 93-year-old Carla Rabezzana, residing in Portacomaro, Italy, shared her apprehension with the Italian news agency Ansa, stating, “We are all very worried. We hope he recovers quickly and overcomes this difficult moment. I follow everything on the news, and I am very anxious.”
