Pope at Gemelli Hospital, respiratory crisis in the morning

Gemelli Hospital in Rome | Vatican Media

Pope Francis, although in more pain, spent the day sitting in an armchair. Blood transfusions were necessary and the prognosis remains guarded.

The Holy See Press Office issued the following medical update on Pope Francis on Saturday evening:

The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.

Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more uncomfortable than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.

Source: Vatican News Agency