Pope Francis’s condition has continued to be critical after he suffered a respiratory attack that required high-flow oxygen, and blood transfusions, according to a Vatican report.
“The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday, the pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican noted in a statement on Saturday February 22, 2025.
“This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen,” it said.
“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday.”
The Vatican had earlier confirmed the Argentine pontiff would not deliver his usual weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday, saying the text would be published.
Meanwhile, a group of nuns and priests from around the world gathered Saturday outside the entrance to the Gemelli hospital, where Francis is staying in a special papal suite on the 10th floor, to pray for him.
“We are praying today for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and our hope is that he will recover well in the Grace of God,” Brazilian priest Don Wellison told AFP.
Francis became Pope and head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
The Pope has suffered numerous health issues in recent years, including undergoing major surgery in 2021 and 2023.
