Pope Francis' Health Declines Further Amid Ongoing Respiratory Crisis

Pope Francis, aged 88, faced escalating health challenges, necessitating a blood transfusion and high oxygen support after a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, as per recent statements from the Vatican.

Pope Francis' health took a serious downturn on Saturday night, according to the Vatican, as he suffered from a prolonged "asthmatic respiratory crisis" that necessitated both "high flows of oxygen" and a blood transfusion. These developments raised alarms about the 88-year-old pontiff's condition, which had already been reported to be critical shortly before.

When first hospitalized on February 14, Francis was being treated for a respiratory tract infection that subsequently led to pneumonia in both of his lungs. Despite the alarming news, the Vatican stated that the pope remained alert and was sitting up in an armchair, although he was reported to be experiencing greater discomfort compared to the previous day. The Vatican's update also noted that the pope's low platelet counts linked to anemia prompted the blood transfusion. The situation remains grave, with officials confirming, “The pope is not out of danger.”

Elisabetta Povoledo, reporting from Rome, brings over 35 years of experience covering Italy, the Vatican, and the cultural milieu of the region.