Pope has respiratory 'crisis,' doctors say 'prognosis reserved'

Pope Francis' condition remains critical after suffering a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis on Saturday, the Vatican said. The Supreme Pontiff "required the application of high-flow oxygen" and "blood transfusions."

Pope Francis is facing a "prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis," according to a statement published by the Vatican News website. The Holy See Press Office reported that the 88-year-old pontiff "required the use of high-flow oxygen." The Holy See also stated that "the condition of the Holy Father remains critical, so, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger."

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"Blood tests performed today also showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions," the medical report said.

In this regard, it is noted that "the Holy Father remains alert after spending the day in an armchair, although with more pain than yesterday." The prognosis for Francis, who assumed the papacy on March 13, 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI, is "guarded," the report concludes.

Bergoglio has been hospitalized since Friday, February 14 at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome due to bilateral pneumonia.