Pope Francis is in critical condition but alert, Vatican says

Pope Francis, in critical condition battling double pneumonia, had a “tranquil” night, was alert and had rested after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican said on Sunday.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, in critical condition battling double pneumonia, had a “tranquil” night, was alert and had rested after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican said on Sunday.

The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

The Vatican described his condition as critical for the first time on Saturday, reporting that the 88-year-old Francis had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions that day after a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.”

“The night was tranquil, the pope rested,” the Vatican said in a one-sentence update on Sunday morning without providing further information.

A nun prays outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized.ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP - Getty ImagesA Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to speak about the pope’s condition, said that Francis was awake and alert on Sunday. The pope was receiving oxygen as needed via a small tube under his nose, but was breathing unaided, the official added.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-critical-condition-vatican-rcna193349

---