Pope Francis critical after condition worsens, Vatican says

Pope Francis is in a critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis, the Vatican said

Candles and a photo of Pope Francis are seen in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, where the Pontiff is hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14.Picture: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

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

The 88-year-old, who has been in hospital for a week with a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anaemia, the Vatican said in a health update.