Pope Francis has spent tenth day in hospital on Sunday as Catholics worldwide prayed for his recovery, following the Vatican’s warning that his condition remains “critical.” The 88-year-old Pope who is suffering from double pneumonia, experienced a severe asthma-like attack on Saturday and required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count.
On Sunday morning, the Vatican stated that “the night passed peacefully, the pope rested,” suggesting no further deterioration. However, he remains on oxygen support at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
In a message written earlier but published on Sunday, Francis expressed gratitude to hospital staff and confidence in his treatment. “I am continuing my hospitalisation at Gemelli, undergoing necessary treatment—and rest is also part of the therapy! I ask you to pray for me,” he said.
The Pope was first admitted on 14 February with bronchitis, but his condition has since worsened.
On Saturday evening, the Vatican warned that he remains in a critical state, adding that he was alert but experiencing increased discomfort.
He reportedly suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” requiring high-flow oxygen and daily blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia—low platelet levels—which led to blood transfusions.
Italian newspapers highlighted concerns, with Corriere della Sera headlining “The Pope Gets Worse” and La Repubblica calling it the Vatican’s “darkest day.”
