The state of Pope Francis remains critical after suffering from “asthmatic respiratory crisis”: Vatican
Pope Francis underwent an asthmatic respiratory crisis “extended” on Saturday morning with doctors to provide oxygen, said the Vatican.
The 88 -year -old pontiff’s state remains critical, according to a press release.
“Today’s blood tests have also shown that the Plaquettopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of hemotransfusions,” the Vatican said in a statement. “The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday.”
People pray to the statue of Jean-Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized in Rome, on February 22, 2025.
Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images
The asthmatic respiratory crisis indicates that the Pope has struggled to maintain a sufficient oxygen level when he breathes alone, according to medical experts.
The platelet (also known as thrombocytopenia) indicates that the Pope has low plates, which are cells circulating in the blood and helping the blood clot.
Low plates can occur as a complication of infection, a side effect of certain drugs or a problem with normal platelet production.
The pope has been hospitalized since February 14 after a fight with bronchitis. It was diagnosed Tuesday with pneumonia, according to the Vatican.
Pope Francis celebrates the mass of the armed forces jubilee on the Place Saint-Pierre at the Vatican, on February 9, 2025.
Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images
The Vatican described the Pope as “good humor” on Tuesday.
Before Saturday update, the Vatican announced that the Pope would not lead Sunday mass this week when he continued to recover.
Ivan Pereira, ABC News, contributed to this report.
