Rome
CNN
—

Pope Francis, whose hospitalization has extended beyond a week, is reported to be in “critical” condition, having experienced an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” earlier on Saturday, according to a press release from the Vatican.

“This morning, Pope Francis presented with a serious asthmatic respiratory crisis that necessitated high-flow oxygen therapy,” the Vatican stated regarding the ailing pontiff, who is currently being treated for pneumonia.

Although Francis “remains alert and spent the day seated in an armchair,” he is reportedly experiencing “more discomfort than the day prior,” the statement continued.

Additionally, he underwent blood transfusions today to address anemia, as mentioned in the announcement.

Earlier on Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that he will remain hospitalized following his diagnosis of pneumonia and will not lead the weekly Angelus prayer — only the third occasion this has occurred in nearly 12 years of his papacy.

The pontiff’s health had appeared more stable earlier this week when the Vatican reported he was responding “positively” to the treatment for pneumonia on Thursday.

“Is the pope out of danger? No. Both possibilities remain open. Is he in immediate danger of death? No. The treatment requires time to take effect,” stated Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who has operated on the pope previously, during a news conference on Friday.

The pope was admitted to the hospital in the Italian capital on February 14 for tests related to a respiratory infection and was later diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs following a CT scan.

Hailing from Argentina, Francis has a history of respiratory issues. In his youth, he endured a severe case of pneumonia that necessitated the removal of part of one lung.

In 2021, medical professionals also surgically removed part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that can lead to colon inflammation or infection. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for bronchitis and has experienced two falls in recent months, resulting in bruising and the need for a sling on one arm.

This marks the third longest hospital stay for Francis since he took on his papal responsibilities.

His medical team has recommended that the pontiff engage in “complete rest.” Nevertheless, he has continued with certain duties, including maintaining phone contact with Rev. Gabriel Romanelli and his assistant, Father Yusuf Asad, in Gaza City, who he has been in regular communication with since Israel commenced its bombing campaign following the Hamas-led incidents on October 7.

Francis has also been making administrative decisions while in the clinic, as reported by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. Currently, only his “closest associates” have been permitted to visit him, although Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did manage a 20-minute visit on Wednesday.

“We shared laughs as usual. He hasn’t lost his characteristic sense of humor,” the prime minister shared in a statement.

Across the globe, congregations of worshipers have been gathering in candle-lit churches to pray for the recovery of Pope Francis, from his native Argentina to the Vatican.

“We always include him in our prayers,” stated Rodomina Valdez, a 45-year-old Argentinean at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, who spoke to Reuters. “We can do nothing except pray for him while offering fasting or penance.”

Just outside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, a German tourist named Klaus expressed his hope that the pope “will have many vibrant years ahead.” Meanwhile, at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, letters and drawings from children in the oncology department displayed colorful illustrations and heartfelt messages wishing him speedy recovery.

“I hope he recovers swiftly so he can resume his duties,” expressed Gaetano Bavagnini, a resident of Rome. “He is an extraordinary individual and an exceptional pope.”