ROME (AP) — According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is in critical condition following a severe asthmatic respiratory event while he continues to receive treatment for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who remains aware and alert, is receiving “high-flow” oxygen to assist his breathing. Medical staff have also administered blood transfusions due to low platelet counts, which are essential for clotting, as indicated in a recent update from the Vatican.

The Vatican’s statement highlighted that the Pope’s status remains critical, confirming that, as stated the previous day (Friday), he is still not out of danger. This update marks the first time the term “critical” has been officially used to describe Francis’ state since his hospitalization on February 14.

Additionally, the statement noted that the Holy Father is alert and spent the day seated in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than he did the day before. Doctors have refrained from providing a prognosis, labeling it as “reserved.”

Medical experts have indicated that Francis’ situation is delicate, considering his age, fragility, and pre-existing respiratory issues.

Health Risks: Concerns Over Possible Sepsis

Healthcare providers have cautioned that the primary risk for Francis is the potential development of sepsis, which is a critical bloodstream infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there has been no indication of sepsis, and the Pope is reportedly responding well to the medications he is being given, according to his medical team’s first detailed evaluation of his condition.

Recent blood tests on Saturday indicated a reduced platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia or platelopenia. Platelets are necessary components that circulate in the blood and play a vital role in clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Low platelet levels can arise from various factors, including side effects from medications or infections, as noted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Pope Francis, who suffers from chronic lung conditions and is susceptible to bronchitis during the colder months, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following a prolonged episode of bronchitis that intensified.

Doctors initially identified a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, which subsequently led to bilateral pneumonia. They have recommended “complete rest” along with a regimen of cortisone and antibiotics, supplemented by oxygen as needed. Saturday’s update was the first instance in which the Vatican acknowledged Francis experienced a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, necessitating high-flow oxygen.”

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital, stated on Friday that the greatest risk for Francis lies in the potential for germs in his respiratory system to enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. This condition can result in organ failure and may be fatal.

“Sepsis, considering his respiratory challenges and age, would be extremely hard to recover from,” Dr. Alfieri remarked during a press conference at the hospital. “In English, they say ‘knock on wood,’ we say ‘touch iron.’ Everyone can touch what they like,” he noted while tapping the microphone. “But this truly represents the main concern in such cases: the risk of these pathogens entering the bloodstream.”

“He is aware of the danger surrounding his health,” Alfieri added. “And he has asked us to communicate that.”

Vatican Officials Address Speculation About Possible Resignation

In the meantime, Vatican officials have sought to quell rumors and speculation surrounding the possibility of Francis resigning. There are no official guidelines in canon law regarding measures for a pope who becomes incapacitated. Pope Francis has indicated he has prepared a letter of resignation that would be enacted should he become unable to decide on his own. He is currently conscious, alert, continuing to eat, and maintaining his work.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, provided a rare interview with Corriere della Sera to address the swirling rumors regarding a potential resignation. This came after the Vatican released an unusual official statement denying an Italian media report suggesting that Parolin and the Pope’s chief canonist visited Francis in secret at the hospital. The nature of canonical requirements makes the implications of such a meeting significant, but the Vatican categorically denied that it took place.

Parolin characterized such speculation as “unproductive,” emphasizing that the primary focus should be on the Pope’s health, recovery, and return to the Vatican.

“Naturally, it is quite common for unsolicited rumors to arise or for misplaced comments to be made in these situations. This is certainly not the first instance,” Parolin remarked. “However, as far as I’m aware, there isn’t any significant movement regarding that.”

The White House Offers Prayers for the Pope

On Saturday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump was informed of the Pope’s health status and is crafting his own statement for release soon.

“We are praying for the Pope,” Leavitt asserted.

Leavitt is among three administration officials facing a lawsuit from The Associated Press on constitutional grounds, with claims that they are retaliating against the news agency for its editorial choices. The AP contends that Leavitt and two other officials are acting against the agency for not adhering to an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

As this unfolds, deacons are gathering at the Vatican for a special Holy Year weekend event. Francis fell ill just as the Holy Year celebrations, a rare Catholic event, were set to begin. This weekend, he was scheduled to preside over a service honoring deacons, a church role that precedes priestly ordination.

In his absence, the organizer of the Holy Year event will lead Sunday’s Mass, as confirmed by the Vatican. For the second week in a row, Francis will miss his traditional Sunday blessing, which he could have delivered from Gemelli if he were able.

“Even though he’s not physically with us, we all feel his presence,” said Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico attending the Jubilee celebration. “He is on the path to recovery and remains in our hearts as we pray together, as our prayers and his resonate as one.”

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The Associated Press’ religion reporting is made possible through a partnership with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for the content of this report.