Pope Francis Is In Critical Condition, According To Latest Update From The Vatican

Pope Francis is in “critical condition,” the Vatican said Saturday, after a “prolonged asthmatic crisis” and a low platelet count. They said he was alert and sitting in an armchair, but suffering more pain than the day before.

The update came less than 24 hours after the Pontiff went to the hospital. The 88-year-old Francis, who has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a late update.

“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” the statement said.

“He is not out of danger,” said his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone. “So like all fragile patients I say they are always on the golden scale: In other words, it takes very little to become unbalanced.”

It is possible that Pope Francis could have sepsis, which is an infection of the blood. “He has to get over this infection and we all hope he gets over it,” said Alfieri. “But the fact is, all doors are open.”

Francis is the first Pope from South America, and has led the Catholic Church since 2013.