Pope Francis, in critical condition, has a ‘tranquil’ night, Vatican says

Pope Francis, in critical condition as he battles double pneumonia, has had a “tranquil” night and rested after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican says.

“The night was tranquil, the pope rested”, the Vatican said in a one-sentence update on Sunday morning without providing further information. Later on Sunday, he is anticipated to receive another update on his condition.

Francis, 88, was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after having breathing difficulties for a while and later having pneumonia in both lungs.

On Saturday, the Vatican reported that he needed additional oxygen and blood transfusions the day after a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,” calling his condition “critical” for the first time.

The prognosis was also stated in the Saturday statement as “reserved.”

A serious condition that can make it difficult to breathe can cause inflamation and scarring both lungs. The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as “complex”, saying it is being caused by two or more microorganisms.

Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. Because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had a portion of one lung removed, he is particularly susceptible to lung infections.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a senior Vatican official, told worshippers at a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday that they should make their prayers for Francis “stronger and more intense”.

Francis will receive a special Mass for Sunday evening prayer in the Diocese of Rome in order to “have the strength necessary to get through this moment of trial,” according to the pope’s leadership.

Near the Vatican, pilgrims expressed concern for the pope’s condition. “I am very, very sad”, Italian Elvira Romana said. “I don’t know how you can continue on normally at this moment”.

Sardinian Matteo Licari expressed his “extreme concern” for the situation. “Let’s hope he can keep living”, Licari said. We are anticipating his return to this place.

People gathered outside Gemelli Hospital to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who spent the majority of his papacy receiving care there frequently.