Pope Francis in serious condition after respiratory crisis, Vatican reports

Pope Francis is in "critical" condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis , which required the administration of high-flow oxygen , the Vatican reported on Saturday , February 22.

According to the most recent medical report, the 87-year-old pontiff also has thrombocytopenia associated with anemia , which led doctors to give him blood transfusions. Francis remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic , where he has been receiving treatment for a complex lung infection over the past week .

"The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in an armchair, although in more pain than yesterday. For the moment, the prognosis is reserved ," said the official statement from the Holy See.

Disclaimer :

Amid uncertainty over his health , Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said Pope Francis might consider resigning if he faces serious difficulties in fulfilling his responsibilities.

"I think so. If he has serious difficulties in fulfilling his service, he will make his own decision. It will be up to him to decide, of course, perhaps he will ask for advice, but he will make the final decision himself, in his conscience," Ravasi said in an interview with Corriere della Sera .

However, according to the cardinal, the Pontiff maintains as a major objective the completion of the Jubilee , scheduled for 2025 , which would indicate his intention to continue at the head of the Catholic Church as long as his health allows.

The Catholic community and religious leaders around the world have expressed their concern for the health of Pope Francis and have sent messages of support and prayers for his speedy recovery.

Francis, who suffers from a chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 after his bronchitis worsened.

Profile of Pope Francis :

Pope Francis , whose secular name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio , is an Argentine Jesuit who was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936. He is the 266th pope of the Catholic Church.

He is known for his humility, his commitment to the poor and his dialogue with people of different origins.

He is the first Jesuit pope in history.

He is the first Pontiff from Latin America.

He is a football fan.