Vatican: Pope Francis in critical condition

ISNA - Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for more than a week due to a respiratory infection that has developed into pneumonia in both lungs, remains in “critical” condition and developed an “asthmatic respiratory crisis,” the Vatican said on Saturday.

Pope Francis’s condition “continues to be critical”, however,  he is alert, it added. The Vatican said after suffering a respiratory attack he requires“high-flow oxygen.”

In the past, the pontiff has recovered his health after being hospitalized four times till now — two related to intestinal surgeries and two for respiratory complications.

Vatican sources say the pope needs supplemental oxygen to breathe, noting however, that the pontiff’s heart had remained in good condition till now.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, visited the pope to offer him well wishes for a speedy recovery. The Vatican said the two spent 20 minutes in private.

“I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive,” she said in a statement. “We joked as always. He has not lost his legendary sense of humor.” 

US Vice President JD Vance announced last week that Pope Francis appeared to have serious health issues. He wrote on social media, “Let’s all say a prayer for Pope Francis, who appears to have some serious health issues.”

His present condition is reportedly the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.