Pope Francis, aged 88, experienced a severe respiratory crisis on Saturday morning, characterized by a prolonged asthma-like episode that necessitated the administration of high-flow oxygen. This development has left him in critical condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) associated with anemia, leading to the need for blood transfusions. Despite being alert and spending the day seated in an armchair, the Pope is reportedly more uncomfortable than the previous day, and his prognosis remains guarded.

 Pope Francis, aged 88, experienced a severe respiratory crisis on Saturday morning, characterized by a prolonged asthma-like episode that necessitated the administration of high-flow oxygen. This development has left him in critical condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) associated with anemia, leading to the need for blood transfusions. Despite being alert and spending the day seated in an armchair, the Pope is reportedly more uncomfortable than the previous day, and his prognosis remains guarded.

Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14, 2025, due to complications from bronchitis, which progressed to a complex lung infection and bilateral pneumonia. His medical team has expressed concerns about the potential risk of sepsis, a severe infection that can lead to organ failure. Given his current condition, the Pope is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week to continue receiving necessary treatments.