Vatican: Pope Francis suffers Asthmatic crisis, remains in critical state

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after more than a week of hospitalization, with the Vatican confirming he suffered an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” earlier on Saturday, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy.

Despite being alert and spending the day in an armchair, the 87-year-old pontiff is experiencing increased pain and received blood transfusions to treat anemia, according to a Vatican statement.

His pneumonia diagnosis, confirmed after a CT scan, has led to an extended hospital stay, forcing him to miss the weekly Angelus prayer for only the third time in his nearly 12-year papacy.

Concerns over his health persist, though Vatican officials say he is not at immediate risk of death. Surgeon Sergio Alfieri, who has previously operated on Francis, told reporters that “the therapy needs time to work.”

The pope, who has a history of respiratory issues, had part of a lung removed in his youth following a severe bout of pneumonia.

He has also faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including colon surgery, bronchitis, and recent falls that left him injured.