Cardinal Burke sceptical about COVID-19 now on ventilator

Catholic cardinal Raymond Burke who defies rules to wear a face mask and was sceptical about vaccines, is now battling for his life after testing positive for Covid-19.

Burke was struck down with the virus last week while visiting his home state of Wisconsin from Rome.

He is now on ventilator, reports said.

He was admitted to hospital at the weekend.

The Catholic News Agency(CNA) said his condition has deteriorated.

CNA reported that a source close to the cardinal said the next 48 hours are crucial to him..

The ultra-conservative cleric, 73, has frequently posted anti-vaxxer theories online and alleges the jabs are used to implant ‘microchips’ into people.

His claims have been repeatedly debunked by experts.

He also condemned ‘abhorrent’ scientists for using abortion-derived cells to develop the vaccines.

And he told supporters the state should not be the ‘ultimate provider of health… God is’.

Amid reports that he was seriously ill, Burke confirmed Aug. 10 that he had tested positive for Covid-19, tweeting:

“Thanks be to God, I am resting comfortably and receiving excellent medical care.

“Please pray for me as I begin my recovery. Let us trust in Divine Providence. God bless you.”