Pope Francis suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning, requiring oxygen support as his condition remains critical, the Vatican confirmed.
According to an official statement, the 88-year-old pontiff struggled to maintain adequate oxygen levels and is now experiencing additional health complications, including plateletopenia (low blood platelet count) and anemia, which necessitated blood transfusions.
“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, though he is experiencing more pain than yesterday,” the Vatican reported.
The Pope has been hospitalized since February 14 after developing bronchitis, which later progressed to pneumonia earlier this week. Medical experts say his recent asthmatic crisis indicates difficulty in sustaining proper oxygen levels unaided.
Plateletopenia, one of his latest complications, can arise from infections, medication side effects, or impaired platelet production.
As concerns over his health grow, devout followers have gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, praying at the statue of Pope John Paul II, a symbol of hope for many.
Despite his worsening condition, Vatican officials previously stated Pope Francis was in “good spirits” earlier in the week. However, due to his health struggles, he will not be leading Sunday Mass as he continues to recover.