Pope Francis in 'critical' condition, Vatican says

Pope Francis is in "critical" condition after his health has deteriorated over the past 24 hours, the Vatican said on Saturday.

Pope Francis.

Photo: PAP/EPA/VATICAN MEDIA

It added that the pope needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.

The Vatican said in a statement that the 88-year-old pontiff, who is suffering from double pneumonia, experienced a prolonged "asthma-like respiratory crisis" on Saturday morning, "which required the administration of high-flow oxygen."

Statement from the Holy See Press Office pic.twitter.com/VKKJFfMcgR

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) February 22, 2025

"Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions," the statement said.

Pope Francis. Photo: PAP/EPA/VATICAN MEDIA HANDOUT

"The Holy Father's condition continues to be critical," the Vatican announced. "The Pope is not out of danger."

The statement added that Francis "remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more uncomfortable than yesterday."

Stan zdrowia papieża Franciszka jest nadal krytyczny#PAPinformacjehttps://t.co/7bGkjLlhTL

— PAP (@PAPinformacje) February 22, 2025

"At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded," the Vatican said.

The Vatican Secretary of State says the only matters of concern are the Pope’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican. The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith also says news of calls for the Pope to resign is unfounded.https://t.co/f7l01AmIho

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) February 22, 2025

Francis, who became pope in 2013, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days, the Reuters news agency reported.

Francis, pictured on February 12, two days before he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital. Photo: PAP/Abaca

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, vaticannews.va