Pope Francis is in critical condition after experiencing a “long asthmatic respiratory crisis” on Saturday night that required high flows of oxygen and a blood transfusion, the Vatican announced. This development follows an update from the pontiff’s doctors on Friday evening, indicating that his condition has become more complicated and that he is still not out of danger.

The 88-year-old pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14th due to a respiratory tract infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. On Saturday, the Vatican stated that Francis was alert but in more pain compared to yesterday, while sitting up in an armchair.

The blood transfusion was deemed necessary due to low platelet counts linked to anemia, according to the Vatican.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/world/europe/pope-francis-critical-condition.html