Pope remains in 'critical' condition after 'respiratory crisis' Reuters Pope Francis's condition continues to be "critical" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" earlier on Saturday, the Vatican has said. The pontiff is "more unwell than yesterday" and had received blood transfusions, the statement said. The Vatican said the 88-year-old was alert and in his armchair, but required a "high flow" of oxygen and his prognosis "remains guarded". The Pope is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The blood transfusions were deemed necessary due to a low platelet count, associated with anaemia, the Vatican said. "The Holy Father's condition remains critical," a statement said. "The Pope is not out of danger." "The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday," the s...
