California residents react to Pope Francis’ health condition
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Pope Francis is in critical condition at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was admitted about one week ago, and residents of Hollywood, California, are sharing their reaction.
"We're going to pray for him for good health, we rely upon his guidance and presence to help the day to day life of what we do," said Tom Bruehle, a parishioner at Saint Charles Catholic Church.
Parishioners at St. Charles Catholic Church in North Hollywood are concerned about the health of Pope Francis, and the Vatican released an update Saturday saying:
"His condition continues to be critical...he is not out of danger. The Holy Father experienced a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis [Saturday] morning requiring high-flow oxygen therapy. His blood tests revealed he had abnormally low number of platelets in his blood, associated with anemia and needed blood transfusions. The pope spent the day alert and sitting in an armchair, although in more pain than [on Friday]."
"He's been such an incredible hope for us. His way he lives, the way his example for Catholics has been incredible," said Ali Olmos who attends St. Charles Catholic Church.
The 88-year-old was admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis. Earlier this week, the Vatican said the pope had developed pneumonia in both lungs.
"What we are feeling is the same kind of feeling we'd feel for any beloved relative...We're all just praying," said Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu, a theology professor at Loyola Marymount University (LMU).
Gonzalez-Andrieu says worshippers are uniting in prayer for the leader of the Catholic Church: "[It] makes us become compassionate and merciful people. And in showing us his own frailty he's telling us to not be afraid to show ours, and to care for those who are frail."
Pope Francis has battled ongoing health issues in recent years, including the flu and various respiratory problems.
Right now, his prognosis remains guarded as his medical team works to stabilize his condition. His declining health is heavy on the hearts of catholics worldwide.
"He's been such an extraordinary Pope. So we're all very concerned. Everyone in the church around the world is lifting up prayer for him and hoping against hope that the Lord has more time for him here," said Cardinal Roger Mahoney with St. Charles Catholic Church.
"Really concerned for the pope, his age and it is very serious illness, I just hope our prayers are answered and that he gets better," said Shelle Bruehle, another parishioner with the church.
The Vatican provided an update Monday saying:
"The Holy Father's clinical condition, though critical, shows slight improvement. There were also no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crisis during today's day; some laboratory tests have improved.
Monitoring of mild renal failure is of no concern. Oxygen therapy continues, albeit with slightly reduced flows and oxygen percentage. The doctors in view of the complexity of the clinical picture are conservatively not yet providing a prognosis.
In the morning he received the Eucharist, while in the afternoon he resumed work activities. In the evening, he called the pastor of Gaza Parish to express his fatherly closeness. Pope Francis thanked all God's people who gathered to pray for his health in recent days."
