Pope Francis is in critical condition at a hospital in Rome and is still considered to be in danger, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office released Saturday evening.
The 88-year-old pope suffered a severe respiratory crisis resembling asthma on Saturday morning, necessitating high-flow oxygen treatment, as reported in the Vatican’s medical update.
Blood tests indicated a low platelet count, linked to anemia, which led to the need for blood transfusions.
Although the Holy Father remains conscious and spent the day seated in an armchair, he is reportedly feeling more discomfort than the previous day, with a guarded prognosis provided in the statement.
Earlier on Saturday, the Vatican announced that the pope would not conduct the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer on February 23. During a press briefing at Gemelli hospital on Friday, the medical team indicated that the pontiff’s condition is serious, and he is fully aware of his health status. (ZIA LUNA)
