Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for more than a week, is now in critical condition following a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,” according to the Vatican.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 22, the Vatican revealed that the pope’s health has worsened. “The Holy Father is more unwell than yesterday. His condition remains critical, and the Pope is not out of danger,” the statement read.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on February 14 for treatment of bronchitis, later diagnosed as a polymicrobial infection. He is also being treated for double pneumonia. The Vatican initially reported his bronchitis diagnosis on February 6.
The pope required blood transfusions due to anemia and high-flow oxygen during the respiratory crisis. Despite his condition, he remains alert and spent much of the day sitting in an armchair.
The Vatican noted that the pope’s prognosis is still “guarded.”
