Pope Francis remains in critical condition following a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis, the Vatican announced in a statement on Saturday, February 22.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. He is more unwell than yesterday and is not out of danger,” the statement read in part.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome since February 14 for bronchitis and was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and double pneumonia. The Vatican initially disclosed his bronchitis diagnosis on February 6.
In addition to his respiratory struggles, Pope Francis required blood transfusions due to anemia and was placed on high-flow oxygen during the crisis. Despite his condition, he remains alert and spent much of the day seated in an armchair, according to the Vatican.
While he continues to receive intensive medical care, the Vatican states that his prognosis remains “guarded.”
