Pope Francis ‘suffering more’ as Vatican admits pontiff in ‘critical condition’

Pope Francis’ condition has worsened and he is ‘suffering more’ as the Vatican reveals that the pontiff suffered a ‘prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis’ this morning.

The Vatican said the 88-year-old is “more unwell than yesterday” and had received blood transfusions.

He has been in hospital for more than a week being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

“The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and spent the day in an armchair even though he was suffering more than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” the Vatican’s statement said.

The Vatican said that doctors had to administer a “high flow” of oxygen because of his breathing crisis.

It added that the blood transfusions were necessary because tests showed he had a low platelet count, associated with anaemia. “The Holy Father’s condition remains critical,” the statement said. “The Pope is not out of danger.”

He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days.

More to follow…