Pope Francis in critical condition after respiratory crisis, Vatican says

Manila Bulletin

Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican said.  The 88-year-old pope, who remains conscious, received “high flows” of oxygen to help him breathe. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a late update.  “The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained yesterday (Friday), the pope is not out of danger,” the statement said. It was the first time “critical” had been used in a written statement to describe Francis' condition since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14.

Transcript

00:00There is a somber mood in the Vatican this evening as Pope Francis' doctors report

00:07that he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis this morning.

00:12It required high flows of oxygen.

00:15Pope Francis also received blood transfusion.

00:18That after tests showed that he was suffering a low platelet count and anemia.

00:22This is the first time that the Vatican has reported that he is in a reserved prognosis

00:27meaning that it is touch and go and requires closer observation.

00:33That said, the Pope was sitting up, he was in his armchair by this afternoon, awake and

00:39alert but apparently in more pain than he has been.

00:43At the same time, the Vatican hierarchy is trying to tamp down rumors and speculation

00:47about his health, whether he might resign given his condition.

00:51The Vatican Secretary of State spoke to one of Italy's leading newspapers to say this

00:56kind of speculation is really inappropriate.

00:59What is needed are prayers for Pope Francis' recovery and return to the Vatican.

01:26For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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