Pope has 'peaceful' night after condition described as 'critical'

The Vatican reported that Pope Francis had rested well overnight and that the night "passed peacefully," following an earlier update on Saturday that his condition remains "critical" due to a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."

The 88-year-old pontiff was described as being in worse health compared to Friday and has received blood transfusions. He is being treated for pneumonia in both of his lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The Vatican explained that the blood transfusions were necessary due to a low platelet count, which is linked to anaemia. While the Pope is alert and sitting in his armchair, he requires a "high flow" of oxygen, and his prognosis is still "guarded."

"The Holy Father’s condition remains critical," the Vatican said in a statement, adding, "The Pope is not out of danger."

The statement also noted, "The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, though he was suffering more than the previous day."

Pope Francis has requested transparency regarding his health, prompting the Vatican to release daily updates. The tone and length of these statements have varied, often leaving observers to interpret the details. However, this latest assessment is the most direct and detailed yet, though it does not provide a specific prognosis.

This update follows the doctors’ announcement that the Pope had begun responding to medication for the first time, while also emphasizing that his condition remains complex. They warned that any change in circumstances could disrupt the "delicate balance" of his condition. One doctor remarked, "He is the Pope, but he is also a man."

The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14th after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. He is especially vulnerable to lung infections due to pleurisy—a condition that causes inflammation around the lungs—developed in adulthood, and he also had part of one lung removed at 21. Over his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope has been hospitalized multiple times, including a stay in March 2023 for bronchitis.

The latest news is causing concern among Catholics worldwide, who are closely monitoring the Pope’s condition. This is a significant year for the Church, with the Jubilee drawing large numbers of visitors to Rome and a busy schedule of events for the Pope.

The Pope, who is not known for being inactive, has reportedly prayed in the hospital chapel and read in his armchair despite his illness. Even before this latest setback, the Vatican had stated that he would not appear in public to lead prayer with pilgrims on Sunday, meaning he will miss this event for the second week in a row.

Outside the Gemelli Hospital, well-wishers have continued to leave candles, flowers, and letters for the Pope. However, there was no visible crowd at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday evening. Still, passersby in the square expressed their concern, with one Italian man telling the BBC, "We feel very close to the Pope, here in Rome. We saw the latest, and we are worried."