Prognosis 'guarded': Francis still in critical condition, says Vatican

Pope Francis, who is battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection, remains in a critical condition, the Vatican has said.

- Jennifer Rankin

The pontiff, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on 14 February and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis was given supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions on Saturday after a prolonged asthma-style attack and required blood transfusions for a low platelet count, doctors said.

The Vatican said yesterday: "The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises."

Blood tests had also indicated a "mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," it added. "The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for the pharmacological therapies to show some effect, require that the prognosis remains guarded."

The Vatican statement said the pope was receiving "high-flow oxygen therapy" through a nasal cannula, but continued to remain "vigilant and well-orientated".

On Friday, doctors said Francis's health remained uncertain and that he was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.