Did You Know Pope Francis’ Parents Were Italian Immigrants?- wna24

Pope Francis has been in the news after being hospitalized, with his condition deteriorating on February 14. The Pontiff was critical on Saturday following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike most predecessors, he is from outside Europe and is the first Jesuit Pope.

The 88-year-old’s parents were Italian immigrants. His father was a railway accountant, while his mother raised him and his four siblings.

He graduated in philosophy and holds a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires. Before becoming the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé.

He entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1958 at age 22 and was ordained a priest in 1969. From 1973 to 1979, he led the Jesuit province of Argentina during the country’s military coup.

On Saturday, the Vatican announced Pope Francis’ condition was deteriorating, stating he was “more unwell than yesterday” after a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.

The 88-year-old remains conscious and is receiving high-flow oxygen to aid breathing. He also underwent blood transfusions due to low platelet counts, the Vatican said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated on Sunday, “The night passed quietly, the pope rested.”

The pope remains alert but is experiencing increased pain. Doctors have declined to offer a prognosis, calling it “reserved.”

Medical experts describe Francis’ condition as precarious due to his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung disease. He is undergoing treatment for double pneumonia and faces serious health concerns. One of the most critical risks the pope battles is the onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can complicate pneumonia.