Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition

Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. Pope Francis remains in critical condition after he experienced a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis this morning requiring high-flow oxygen therapy, according to a Vatican update released Saturday. “The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican’s statement said. The Vatican said the prognosis remains “reserved,” indicating a cautious outlook as medical teams continue to stabilize his condition. Francis required an administration of oxygen and a blood transfusion on Saturday morning, according to the statement. The pope spent the day “alert” and sitting in an armchair, “although in more pain than yesterday,” the Vatican said. In a short update Sunday morning, the Vatican said, “the night was peaceful, the Pope rested.” Francis, 88, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 for bronchitis. Earlier this week, the Vatican announced he had developed pneumonia in both lungs. The polymicrobial infection had “arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics,” which “makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.” The pope’s diagnosis...