Pope Francis is in a condition that "remains critical" and "is not out of danger," according to the Vatican

Pope Francis "is suffering more than yesterday," the Vatican announced on Saturday, February 22, in a statement noting that "the Holy Father's condition remains critical" and that he " is not out of danger. " The pontiff suffered an "asthmatic-type respiratory crisis" in the morning, which "required the application of high-flow oxygen."

"Blood tests carried out today also revealed platelet adenoma (hematological disorder), associated with anemia, which required the administration of a blood transfusion. The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is suffering more than yesterday. The prognosis is currently guarded," the statement said.

By midday, the Vatican had announced that Pope Francis would not publicly recite the Angelus prayer before the faithful in Rome on Sunday. The text of his address before the prayer will be published and not read to the crowd. In a brief statement, the Holy See said the pope had "rested well" during the night, without mentioning whether he had gotten up or eaten in the morning.

The medical team treating him had already specified on Friday afternoon, during a press conference, that a longer statement generally meant that the evolution of the Pope's health was not good. "Is the Pope out of danger? No, the Pope is not out of danger," said ^Professor Sergio Alfieri at a press briefing at the Roman Gemelli hospital, where the pontiff has been treated since his hospitalization.

Francis was hospitalized on February 14 with bronchitis, but the Holy See revealed Tuesday that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, a potentially fatal infection of lung tissue.