Vatican City: The health of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, remains critical, after which prayers are continuing around the world for his recovery.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, but his condition has worsened.
According to Vatican officials, he was given high-flow oxygen on Saturday due to severe breathing difficulties and also had to undergo a blood transfusion due to anemia.
A statement issued by the Vatican on Sunday morning said that “the night passed peacefully, the Pope rested”, which is being considered a positive sign. However, he is still taking oxygen through a tube inserted into his nose and it may take time to fully recover.
Pope Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church since 2013, issued a message from the hospital saying, “I have complete confidence in my recovery, and I ask for your prayers.”
At the Vatican, the pope’s loved ones lit candles and prayed for his health, while a special prayer service was also held in Rome.
A statement issued by the Vatican on Saturday night said that “the Pope’s condition remains critical, and he is not out of danger.”
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera wrote: “The Pope’s condition has worsened,” while La Repubblica called it “the Vatican’s darkest day.”
