Pope Francis is in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis Saturday morning.
The pontiff required high flows of oxygen and also received a blood transfusion after tests showed conditions associated with anemia, the Vatican said in a statement late Saturday. He isn’t out of danger.
While Francis was in more pain than the day before, he remains alert and spent the day in his armchair, according to the statement. At the moment, the prognosis is “reserved,” it added.
The statement signaled an apparent setback in the 88-year-old pontiff’s weeklong battle with pneumonia. Doctors said on Friday the pope’s condition poses no immediate threat to his life, though he remains at risk, adding that he will remain hospitalized for at least another week.
Francis was hospitalized after what doctors called an increasingly complex health issue. The Vatican said he was suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and that medical staff had altered his drug regimen to battle the infection.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Here’s a brief biography:
- Early Life: He was born to Italian immigrants and grew up in a working-class neighborhood. He studied chemistry before feeling a calling to the priesthood.
- Religious Career: Bergoglio entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He held various positions within the Jesuits and eventually became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.
- Cardinal: In 2001, he was appointed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He was known for his focus on social justice, helping the poor, and advocating for the marginalized.
- Papacy: On March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he was elected pope and chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and service.
- Focus and Impact: Pope Francis has emphasized mercy, compassion, and the importance of caring for the environment. He has addressed issues like poverty, migration, and social inequality, and has sought to reform the Church’s approach to various issues.
Pope Francis is known for his approachable style, often breaking from tradition to connect with people from all walks of life.