Pope Francis in critical condition, requires oxygen and transfusions, Vatican says

• Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition after a respiratory attack and requires high-flow oxygen.
• He experienced a prolonged asthmatic crisis and received blood transfusions due to thrombocytopenia and anaemia.
• Francis was admitted with bronchitis on February 14, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

Pope Francis’ condition “continues to be critical”, the Vatican says, saying the 88-year-old was alert but had a respiratory attack that required “high-flow oxygen”, and also blood transfusions.

“The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican said in its regular early evening update, local time.

“This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen,” it said.

Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it turned into pneumonia in both lungs, causing widespread alarm. Photo / Getty Images

Daily blood tests “showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions”, it added.

“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved.”

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, but it turned into pneumonia in both lungs, causing widespread alarm.

The Pontiff’s doctors had told a press conference on Friday local time there was no imminent risk to his life but that he was “not out of danger”.

– Agence France-Presse