ROME – Pope Francis’s condition remains critical and he is not yet out of danger, according to a medical bulletin issued by the Vatican on Saturday evening.
“This morning, Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, requiring the use of high-flow oxygen,” the Vatican stated.
The bulletin also reported that blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and anemia, necessitating blood transfusions.
Despite his condition, the 88-year-old pontiff remained alert and spent the day in an armchair, though he was reportedly in more pain than the previous day.
“At the moment, the prognosis remains reserved,” the Vatican concluded.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
On Friday, Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treating the pope, reiterated that while the pontiff was not out of danger, his condition was not immediately life-threatening.
“The real concern is the risk of sepsis, should the lung infection spread to the bloodstream,” Alfieri explained during a press briefing at Gemelli Hospital. (ANSA Courtesy)
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