Pope Francis in critical condition, has 'peaceful' night after respiratory crisis

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Sunday after a "peaceful" night following a "respiratory crisis" in a Rome hospital where he was being treated for double pneumonia, the Vatican press office said in a statement.

The pope was receiving "high-flow" oxygen, and the results of more tests being administered at Gemelli Hospital were expected to be available later Sunday, the statement said. Francis has been hospitalized since Feb. 14.

The Press Office issued a medical update late Saturday saying the pope was "not out of danger." The statement said he experienced an "asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity" that required the high-flow oxygen. Blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions.

"The Holy Father remains alert and spent (Saturday) in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than (Friday)," the medical update said. It called the pope's prognosis "guarded."

The pope expressed gratitude to medical staff, thanking “the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”

Francis, 88, was hospitalized Feb. 14 after suffering from a bout with bronchitis that saw him struggle to speak and breathe during public appearances for more than a week. He was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection.

Pope Francis has 'respiratory crisis':Remains in critical condition, Vatican says

Pope expresses solidarity with Urkainians

Francis made some mention of global conflicts in an address published on Sunday. Monday will mark three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Francis called the anniversary “a painful and shameful occasion for all of humanity.” The pope reiterated support for “the martyred Ukrainian people.”

"I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts," the pope wrote. "And to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan."

Francis thanks supporters for their prayers

The pope also expressed appreciation for the many messages of support he has received, particularly noting letters and drawings from children.

"Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received from all over the world!" the pope wrote. "I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me."

Pope still has sense of humor

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice-director of the Vatican’s health care service, have said they believed the pope would remain hospitalized all this week.Alfieri said the pope was not attached to a ventilator despite struggling with his breathing and keeping his physical movements limited. Alfieri said the pope is sitting upright in a chair, working and joking as usual. 

Alfieri said that when one of the doctors greeted the pope by saying “Hello, Holy Father”, he replied with “Hello, Holy Son."Dr Alfieri expressed confidence that Pope Francis would leave the hospital at some point and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.