Pope Francis In Critical Condition; Asks People To Pray For Him As He Receives Treatment In Rome Hospital

Thanking the team of doctors looking after him, Pope Francis (88) has asked his well-wishers from around the world to pray for him. He has been in hospital since February 14, and his health condition continues to be critical.

Pope Francis In Critical Condition; Asks People To Pray For Him As He Receives Treatment In Rome Hospital (Photo: Instagram/@franciscus)

Pope Francis health latest update: Pope Francis is still in the hospital, making this one of his longest stays yet. The latest update from the Vatican is that he has asked Catholics to pray for him, as he continues to receive treatment in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for 'double pneumonia'. The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was hospitalised earlier this month after he suffered from a respiratory infection, which was initially thought to be 'worsening of his bronchitis' that put him in a critical condition. Later, the Vatican revealed that a scan showed the pontiff has onset of 'bilateral pneumonia', which is a severe type of pneumonia and a life-threatening health condition that affects both the lungs. Now, even though he had a 'restful' and uneventful night on Saturday, the Vatican released a press statement saying that the pope, though conscious, had had tests conducted on him on Sunday, and also received supplemental oxygen.

According to the Vatican News, the press office issued the following health update: "The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical." It added that Francis "is not out of danger".

"This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen. Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions. The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pope Francis (@franciscus)

According to news reports, the pope has asked Catholics to pray for him. According to a BBC report, in a message released Sunday, he thanked the doctors and health workers treating him at the hospital, along with his well-wishers from around the world who sent him messages. "In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," he reportedly wrote. "Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."

Many of his followers and well-wishers have gathered outside the hospital to pray for his health. The pope was first admitted to the hospital on February 14, after experiencing breathing difficulties. He continues to remain in the observation of the doctors since.