The health of Pope Francis has worsened over the past 24 hours, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday, adding that he had suffered a “breathing crisis like asthma” and needed a blood transfusion.
“The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day sitting in a chair, although his condition is worse than yesterday. For the moment, the prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican said.
Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after having breathing difficulties for several days. Since then, he has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, according to Reuters, as reported by Klankosova.tv.
On Saturday, the Vatican said doctors had to administer a “high flow” of oxygen due to his breathing crisis. It also added that blood transfusions were necessary because tests showed he had a low platelet count, associated with anemia.
The condition of the Holy Father remains critical,” the statement said. The Pope is not out of danger.
Earlier in the day, the Vatican announced that he would not appear in public on Sunday to lead the prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he will miss the event.
