Pope Francis is spending his ninth night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital as he continues treatment for double pneumonia, with the Vatican confirming his condition remains critical. The 88-year-old pontiff suffered a severe respiratory attack requiring high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions, sparking growing concerns over his health and future as the head of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican released a statement on Saturday evening, warning that the Pope is still not in the clear. “The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical; therefore, as explained yesterday, the pope is not out of danger.” Earlier in the day, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required urgent medical intervention. Blood tests showed thrombocytopenia, a condition that reduces platelet levels, as well as anaemia, leading doctors to administer blood transfusions.
