Pope Francis in critical condition after breathing crisis, Vatican says

The Vatican said on Saturday that Pope Francis’ health had deteriorated over the past 24 hours and for the first time described his condition as “critical”, reporting he had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.

In a statement, the Vatican said the 88-year-old Francis, who has double pneumonia, had suffered a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis”. “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical,” the statement said. “The pope is not out of danger.”

“The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is more unwell than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican said.

The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days.

The Vatican said on Saturday that doctors had to administer a “high flow” of oxygen because of his breathing crisis. It added that the blood transfusions were necessary because tests showed he had a low platelet count, associated with anaemia.

The Vatican announced earlier in the day that he would not appear in public on Sunday to lead prayer with pilgrims, the second consecutive week he will have missed the event.