Pope Francis had a restful night following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican said on Sunday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a brief statement confirming the update but did not specify whether the pope was awake or had eaten breakfast.
The statement followed reports from doctors that the 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was in critical condition. On Saturday morning, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
According to a late Vatican update, Francis was given “high flows” of oxygen to assist his breathing and underwent blood transfusions after tests revealed a low platelet count, which is essential for blood clotting.
A Saturday statement also noted that the pope “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday.” Doctors described his prognosis as “reserved.”
Given his age, frailty, and existing lung condition, medical experts warned that his situation remains unpredictable. The primary concern is the risk of the infection spreading into the bloodstream, a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
