Pope Francis spent a restful night at the Rome hospital where he has been in critical condition as he undergoes treatment for pneumonia and a complex infection, the Vatican said Sunday morning.
Beyond the brief text — “The night passed quietly, the Pope rested” — the Vatican did not provide further details, as concerns mounted worldwide about the health of the 88-year-old pontiff.
On Saturday, the Vatican had said that Francis had had a long “asthmatic respiratory crisis” earlier in the day that required “high flows of oxygen.” He had also had a blood transfusion, but was alert, according to the Vatican, which is issuing bulletins in consultation with the medical staff at the hospital as well as the pope’s doctor at the Vatican.
Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli on Feb. 14 with a complex respiratory tract infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Doctors said the calibration of his treatment was especially complex because of his age, and pre-existing lung disease.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, doctors had for the first time described Francis’s condition as critical, adding that his situation could change day by day. Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who is on Francis’ medical team, has said that the pope had told him that he was aware of his own fragility and that “both doors are open.”
For days now, prayer vigils have been held around the world. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, announced he would celebrate Mass to pray for Francis’ recovery at the Basilica of St. John the Lateran on Sunday afternoon.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Saturday that President Donald Trump had been updated about the pope’s health. “We’re praying for the pope,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
