Pope Francis is in critical condition after long respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen at high flow

• February 22, 2025

By NICOLE WINFIELD and SILVIA STELLACCI

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old Francis, who has been hospitalized for a week with pneumonia and a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a late update.

“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” the statement said.

Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch-and-go and that he is by no means out of danger. The update, which is drafted by Francis’ medical team but issued by the Vatican, marked the first time the pope’s prognosis had been described as “reserved,” which suggests it is in flux and requires close observation.

Doctors have warned that the main threat facing Francis would be the onset of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis, and Francis was responding to the various drugs he is taking, the pope’s medical team said in their first in-depth update on the pope’s condition.

Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened.

Doctors first diagnosed the complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection and then the onset of pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed “absolute rest” and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen when he needs it. Saturday’s update marked the first time the Vatican has referred to Francis suffering an “asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude, which also required the application of oxygen at high flows.”

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, said Friday the biggest threat facing Francis was that some of the germs that are currently located in his respiratory system pass into the bloodstream, causing sepsis. Sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.

“Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of,” Alfieri told a news conference Friday at Gemelli. “The English say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone touch what they want,” he said as he tapped the microphone. “But this is the real risk in these cases: that these germs pass to the bloodstream.”

“He knows he’s in danger,” Alfieri added. “And he told us to relay that.”

Meanwhile, the Vatican hierarchy went on the defensive to tamp down rumors and speculation that Francis might decide to resign. There is no provision in canon law for what to do if a pope becomes incapacitated. Francis has said that he has written a letter of resignation that would be invoked if he were medically incapable of making such a decision. The pope remains fully conscious, alert, eating and working.

The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, gave a rare interview to Corriere della Sera to respond to speculation and rumors about a possible resignation. It came after the Vatican issued an unusual and official denial of an Italian media report that said Parolin and the pope’s chief canonist had visited Francis in the hospital in secret. Given the canonical requirements to make a resignation legitimate, the implications of such a meeting were significant, but the Vatican flat-out denied that any such meeting occurred.

Parolin said such speculation seemed “useless” when what really mattered was the health of Francis, his recovery and return to the Vatican.

“On the other hand, I think it is quite normal that in these situations uncontrolled rumors can spread or some misplaced comment is uttered. It is certainly not the first time it has happened,” Parolin was quoted as saying. “However, I don’t think there is any particular movement, and so far I haven’t heard anything like that.”

Deacons, meanwhile, were gathering at the Vatican for their special Holy Year weekend. Francis got sick at the start of the Vatican’s Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Catholicism. This weekend, Francis was supposed to have celebrated deacons, a ministry in the church that precedes ordination to the priesthood.

In his place, the Holy Year organizer will celebrate Sunday’s Mass, the Vatican said. And for the second consecutive weekend, Francis will skip his traditional Sunday noon blessing, which he could have delivered from Gemelli if he were up to it.

“Look, even though he’s not (physically) here, we know he’s here,” said Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who was at the Vatican on Saturday for the Jubilee celebration. “He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts and is accompanying us, because our prayers and his go together.”

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

​ Orange County Register 

Angels’ Taylor Ward strives for consistency in 2025

• February 22, 2025

TEMPE, Ariz. — Taylor Ward has been consistently inconsistent over the past few years.

The Angels’ outfielder has gone through three straight rollercoaster seasons, which to some degree is just normal baseball. Ward, however, has seen his highs and lows get fairly extreme, with sharp turns related to on-field incidents.

“I definitely do not want to have the dip,” Ward said. “I want to stay steady the whole year. That’s the biggest goal for me, staying steady and healthy and not having that lull in the summer.”

Ward, 31, was off to a brilliant start in 2022 before crashing into the right-field fence, suffering a shoulder injury that sapped his strength for months.

His season was ended in 2023 when he was hit in the face by a pitch, suffering multiple facial fractures. Then, in 2024, he was hit again, and that time affected him mentally, resulting in a slump.

“There was a week or two when I was in the box, seeing the ball before he pitches,” Ward said. “It’s just not a good place to be at all.”

Ward was hitting .246 with a .773 OPS when he was hit in the head by Detroit Tigers right-hander Shelby Miller on June 30.

Ward hit .149 with a .405 OPS over his next 20 games. Willie Calhoun, who had gone through a similar incident, talked Ward through that.

“He really helped me through,” Ward said. “Helped me move on from just how scary it can be.”

Ward finished the season with a .284 average, nine homers and an .898 OPS in his final 37 games. For the season, he ended up with a .246 average, 25 homers and a .748 OPS.

“There’s the mental side of it and the mechanical side of it, and I think at the end of the year, my mechanics were clicking,” Ward said.

Over the winter, he’s tried to maintain his “A” swing, which he’s had at the start and end of 2022, the middle of 2023 until he got hit, and the end of 2024.

“I think it’s just finding myself and really staying out of my own way,” Ward said. “I think me and (hitting coach) Johnny Washington have really built a good relationship. I think with him being here, he’s going to help me stay on my rails and help limit that dip. Help me stay focused on my daily stuff and everything I’ve been doing in the offseason, and continuing that through the rest of the year.”

Manager Ron Washington said it would help Ward if the Angels’ other stars would stay healthy. His plan is to bat Ward in the leadoff spot, with Mike Trout and Jorge Soler hitting behind him in some order.

“Last year, Taylor was in a situation where he had to become the big boy on the team, and he tried to live up to that,” Washington said. “He showed up every day and he played. Hopefully this year, everyone that we are depending on and counting on, they stay healthy. And I think you’ll see a better version of Taylor Ward, where he can know that his job is to get on the base and score runs, and he’s able to get us a run with one swing of the bat.”

NETO UPDATE

Shortstop Zach Neto continues to throw at a distance of 45 feet and he just started taking batting practice against coaches.

Neto, who is rehabbing from November shoulder surgery, said he’s still not sure if he’ll be ready by Opening Day.

“Honestly I have no idea,” Neto said. “I am trying to be as optimistic as possible but ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s not my call. It’s whatever the team has in store. Just trying to try to do everything I can to be ready for Opening Day.”

Neto was hurt in September on a headfirst slide, so he said he plans to work on sliding feet-first this spring.

NOTES

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who will be the Angels’ Opening Day starter, is scheduled to make his first start of the Cactus League on Friday night when the Angels play the Dodgers in Glendale. …

Left-hander Victor Gonzalez arrived in camp Saturday. Gonzalez, who is from Mexico, had been delayed by a visa issue. Gonzalez said he was communicating with the team while he was at home and he remained on schedule. He said he was scheduled for a bullpen session Saturday. Gonzalez, who has pitched in the majors with the Dodgers and Yankees, signed a minor-league deal with the Angels.

​ Orange County Register 

These OC continuation schools are recognized by state’s Education Department

• February 22, 2025

Out of 429 continuation schools in California, six Orange County campuses were named 2025 model continuation schools.

Continuation schools assist students at risk of falling behind and not meeting graduation requirements. Some students are transferred to continuation schools for low attendance or disciplinary issues. The schools provide support with different learning strategies, flexible schedules, guidance and counseling services for students.

The Model Continuation High Schools Recognition list is part of a state program with California’s Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association. Schools named “model continuations” are determined to have “outstanding programs” and show dedication to supporting its students.

“The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

“The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce,” Thurmond said.

El Camino Real, a continuation school in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, was one of the six Orange County schools that made the list.

That was due in part, Principal Gina Aguilar said, to its EDGE intervention period, a student support program that includes two days of academic intervention, two days of social-emotional learning and a day dedicated to college and career readiness.

“Our mission is to equip students for future success by upholding high expectations within a supportive environment where each student’s unique strengths, goals, and needs are values,” Aguilar said.

La Vista High School has been named a model continuation school for the past 12 years, according to the school’s website. It offers honors, intervention and career technical education programs. The school has also partnered with Fullerton College to help students transition into college and careers.

Similar to La Vista High School, other model continuations in Orange County — including Marie L. Hare High School, Valley Vista High School and Lorin Griset Academy — operate based on quarters to help students get on track and ultimately transfer back to their original schools.

A total of 74 schools were named Model Continuation High Schools throughout the state. Selected campuses keep their title for three years, according to the state’s education department.

Orange County 2025 Model Continuation High Schools

• Fullerton Joint Union High School District, La Vista High School

• Garden Grove Unified School District, Marie L. Hare High School

• Huntington Beach Union High School District, Valley Vista High School

• Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District, El Camino Real High School

• Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Silverado High School

• Santa Ana Unified School District, Lorin Griset Academy

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County girls win championships at CIF-SS Masters wrestling

• February 22, 2025

Orange County girls wrestlers who were champions at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet on Friday at Sonora High (the top four placers in the Blue Division and the top four in the Gold Division advance to the CIF Stae Championships, Feb. 28 and March 1 at Bakersfield):

(Full results are here)

100 pounds, Blue Division: Angelica Serratos, Santa Ana

105 pounds, Blue Division: Alicia Serratos, Santa Ana

110 pounds, Blue Division: Aubree Gutierrez, Marina

120 pounds, Blue Division: Kylee Golz, Trabuco Hills

125 pounds, Blue Division: Lilyana Balderas, Anaheim

115 pounds, Gold Division: Maggie Cornish, Tesoro

155 pounds, Gold Division: Eva Garcia, Marina

170 pounds, Gold Division: Angela Salazar, Santa Ana

​ Orange County Register 

See all 18 holes of Disneyland’s Pixar Putt mini-golf course

• February 22, 2025

A Pixar-themed miniature golf course touring the United States has made a tour stop at the Disneyland resort for a limited-time run with holes paying tribute to Toy Story, Coco, Inside Out and the Incredibles.

The Pixar Putt mini-golf course at the Pixar Place Hotel will run through June 1 with daily tee times from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ALSO SEE: Pixar Putt brings miniature golf back to Disneyland

You don’t have to stay at the Pixar Place Hotel to play the Pixar Putt course.

Disneyland resort hotel guests and Magic Key annual passholders get a discount on tickets with prices starting at $25. Tickets for the general public are $28 on Monday through Thursday and $33 on Friday through Sunday. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Let’s take a closer look at all 18 holes — each themed to a Pixar animated film.

Hole 1: ‘Monsters Inc.’

The “Monsters Inc.” hole features a maze of children’s bedroom doors just like the ones seen on the Laugh Floor.

Hole 2: ‘Elemental’

Two golfers play at the same time on the fire and water sides of the “Elemental” hole.

Hole 3: ‘Turning Red’

The red panda incarnation of Mei Lin Lee towers over the “Turning Red” hole.

Hole 4: ‘Wall-E’

The “Wall-E” hole challenges golfers to trace a spiral stream of fire extinguisher dust.

Hole 5: ‘Toy Story’

Golfers must putt through the mouth of Benson the ventriloquist dummy from the Second Chance Antiques shop on the first of two “Toy Story” holes.

Hole 6: ‘Inside Out 2’

Golfers have to time their putt to coincide with a spinning wheel on the “Inside Out 2” hole.

Hole 7: ‘Luca’

Golfers play through the hilly streets of Porto Rosso on the “Luca” hole.

Hole 8: ‘Incredibles’

Golfers encounter the Omnidroid robot on the “Incredibles” hole.

Hole 9: ‘Ratatouille’

Remy’s chef hat and oversized kitchen utensils form the obstacles on the “Ratatouille” hole.

Hole 10: Finding Nemo

Golfers aim for the gaping beak of Nigel the Australian brown pelican while putting along a pier dotted with seagulls on the Finding Nemo hole.

Hole 11: ‘Onward’

Golfers must drive their ball through the Guinevere van on the “Onward” hole.

Hole 12: ‘Soul’

Golfers drop their balls down a curving staircase of piano keys on the “Soul” hole.

Hole 13: ‘Toy Story’

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger armor serves as the centerpiece of the second hole based on “Toy Story.”

Hole 14: ‘A Bug’s Life’

The deceptively difficult “Bug’s Life” hole is placed at the top of a sloping ant hill.

Hole 15: ‘Coco’

Golfers try to putt their ball along the strings of Miguel’s guitar on the “Coco” hole.

Hole 16: ‘Cars’

A looping track through Lightning McQueen’s 95 racing number offers a challenging route for golfers on the “Cars” hole.

Hole 17: ‘Inside Out’

Golfers drop their ball into one of five holes on the top of memory shelf at the “Inside Out” hole.

Hole 18: ‘Up’

The 18th hole is the most complex — with Carl Fredrickson’s balloon house “flying” to the top of Paradise Falls with the help of an attendant.

​ Orange County Register 

Staffie mix Brooklyn’s got kisses for everyone

• February 22, 2025

Breed: Staffordshire terrier mix

Age: 4 years

Sex: Spayed female

Size: 49 pounds

Brooklyn’s story: This sweet Staffie mix gal ended up at the shelter after she had been used for breeding. Brooklyn is a sweet soul who is full of kisses and tail wags. She’s so grateful to be rescued! Brooklyn is dog-, people- and kid-friendly. She’s short and compact, making her the perfect co-pilot and cuddle partner. Brooklyn will do great in just about any type of home, but especially with a family who loves Staffies. Brooklyn was diagnosed with a heart defect and had a procedure to fix it on Feb. 6. Her surgery was a success and she shouldn’t have any long-term issues as a result.

Adoption fee: $400, includes spay, microchip, vaccines and worm and flea treatments

Adoption procedure: Fill out Lovebugs Rescue’s online application.

​ Orange County Register 

UCLA gymnastics reaches No. 2 but it’s ‘just a ranking’

• February 22, 2025

The UCLA women’s gymnastics team has crept up the national rankings, rising from its dismal 195.250 team score that marked the start of the season.

The Bruins are now the No. 2 team in the country after hitting 197.675 – but head coach Janelle McDonald knows her team has more to give.

“It shows that we’re a team that can compete with anybody in the country,” McDonald told reporters Thursday. “But it’s just a ranking.”

“Each and every week we reset, we focus on what’s next, not what’s behind us. And get excited about what’s ahead and and what we can do that following weekend.”

A trip to Michigan, the only Big Ten team aside from UCLA (8-2 overall, 5-0 Big Ten) to win a national title, is on deck for Sunday. The Wolverines (8-2, 4-1) are ranked in the Top 20 nationally in every event and their No. 7 balance beam squad boasts an average score of 49.211.

The Bruins’ beam team is slightly ahead of that mark at 49.329 and Emma Malabuyo is the second-highest-rated individual beam worker.

Vault is where UCLA will look to make its next jump in progress. The Bruins have the top-ranked floor team, beam is ranked third and bars is fifth, but vault is their lowest-standing event at No. 7.

The event’s scores have dipped over the past two meets and the Bruins are adding more 10.0 start values to the lineup to help boost their numbers. However, chasing a perfect 10 on vault isn’t necessarily a priority.

“If you have a Chae (Campbell) vault and you stick it, I don’t care if it’s a 9.95 start value,” McDonald said. “I care less about the start value and more about the execution, because at the end of the day, it’s a half 10th (of a point). Ideally, we’d love to have everybody do 10.0 start value and stick, but that’s what we’re working for.”

Three freshmen compete on vault – Riley Jenkins, who led off in the last meet against Penn State, Mika Webster-Longin and Macy McGowan. Webster-Longin and McGowan have also appeared on beam and floor exercise.

One of the biggest challenges that gymnasts experience in the transition from elite to college gymnastics is the physical demand of competing on a weekly basis.

“It’s pretty cool to see them starting to get comfortable competing week after week and owning their role on the team in that way,” McDonald said. “I’m excited about how they can continue to grow throughout their NCAA career, and I know that they’re going to have a lot of really special moments ahead of them.”

No. 2 UCLA (8-2, 5-0) at No. 15 MICHIGAN (8-2, 4-1)

When: 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan

TV: Big Ten Network

​ Orange County Register 

Chihuahua mix Piper is a calm, gentle girl

• February 22, 2025

Breed: Chihuahua mix

Age: 11 years

Sex: Spayed female

Size: 10 pounds

Piper’s story: Piper loves people, car rides, walks on quiet streets, snuggling and giving hugs and kisses. She is gentle and calm with an amazing personality. She definitely would prefer to be the only pet in the home, but lots of laps would make this girl very happy. She’s house-trained and crate-trained and dreams of a yard of her own so she can soak up the sun. She’s healthy, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccines.

Adoption cost: $100

Adoption procedure: Go to K9 Spirit Organization’s website and complete an application. You can also email Stacy at [email protected].

​ Orange County Register