The Vatican said Pope Francis had experienced a long, asthma-like episode on February 22 and received a blood transfusion.
Pope Francis is in danger as of February 22nd as he continues to fight complex respiratory illnesses.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical. Therefore, as I explained yesterday, the Pope is not in danger,” the Holy See said on Saturday.
“This morning, Pope Francis experienced a respiratory crisis like long-term, intense asthma, requiring high-flow oxygen administration.”
According to Vatican news outlets, the Pope’s latest blood tests showed low platelet levels and blood transfusions were required.
The 88-year-old bishop suffers from chronic lung disease and has been battling respiratory disease for about two weeks. He was found on February 14th by Rome’s Agostino Gemeri, and according to a recent health renewal, he has been diagnosed with asthma bronchitis and development of both lung pneumonia.
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“The Holy Father was vigilant and spent the day in the armchair, which is more uncomfortable than yesterday. At this point, the prognosis remains in good condition,” the Vatican news agency said on Saturday.
Doctors warn that pneumonia can lead to additional health complications, including sepsis. As of February 21, the Pope’s medical team said there was no evidence of sepsis and he had responded to various medications he was taking.
Pope Francis’ health episode disrupted attendance at the Vatican events during the celebration of Jubilee in the Holy Year.
Deacon, the church ministry prior to ordination to the priesthood, is gathering at the Vatican this weekend as part of the Jubilee events. The Pope was originally scheduled to lead the Deacon celebration, but must be missed during this healthy episode.
Organizer of the Holy Year, Archbishop Reno Fischella, will lead the celebration of the Diakon at Pope Francis’ location this weekend.
The Pope also misses to lead his traditional Sunday noon blessing in a row over the second weekend.
February 22nd marks the East Feast of St. Peter’s Chair in the Catholic Faith tradition, marking the first sermon of St. Peter, the first Pope. The East Feast of St. Peter’s Chair symbolizes unity and authority within Catholic tradition.
“Our prayer is with (Pope Francis) as we express our love and gratitude for him and praise him to Jesus. “Dolan said.
“I think most of us pray that he will heal and that he will continue for a while, otherwise we will simply put him in the hands of the Lord.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
