Pope Francis in critical condition after respiratory crisis, undergoes blood transfusions

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Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after suffering from a respiratory crisis — one that required oxygen treatments, the Vatican said.

The pope, 88, was hospitalized a week ago with a complex lung infection and received blood transfusions after testing showed he was anemic.

Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said. AFP via Getty Images

“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 Vatican said in a statement.

The pontiff slept well overnight, a Vatican spokesman told reporters. Doctors expect he will remain in their care for at least another week.

It has been a rough start to the year for Francis.

Earlier this month, he was also diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, an infection affecting both lungs.

A candle with the image of Pope Francis (L) sits at the foot of the statue of Pope St. John Paul II outside Gemelli University Hospital.

A candle with the image of Pope Francis (L) sits at the foot of the statue of Pope St. John Paul II outside Gemelli University Hospital. GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The pope’s medical team at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — which includes a cardiologist and infectious specialist — said Francis has shown no signs of sepsis, and was responding to the medications he was administered.

“He is not out of danger,” warned 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.”

Doctors have ordered Francis to rest, and put him on cortisone, antibiotics and supplemental oxygen.

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. AFP via Getty Images

Carbone said Francis is putting his calling ahead of his health, continuing to work through his illness.

Sepsis remains a concern, though, as bacteria in the lungs can find its way into the bloodstream, which can lead to organ failure and death.

Doctors said Francis knows his health is worsening.

Despite his hospitalization, the Vatican carried on with its Holy Year celebrations this weekend. 

“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 updated statement said. AFP via Getty Images

The organizer will celebrate Sunday’s Mass in the pope’s place, the Vatican said. 

“Look, even though he’s not [physically] here, we know he’s here,” said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who was at the Vatican Saturday for the Jubilee celebration.

“He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts and is accompanying us because our prayers and his go together.”

Francis’ recovery will take time, and he’ll live while suffering from chronic respiratory problems.

Nuns pray in front of Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 22.

Nuns pray in front of Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 22. REUTERS

“He has to get over this infection and we all hope he gets over it,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli Hospital. 

“But the fact is, all doors are open.”

With Post wires