By james art 
Rome (AP) – Pope Francis was conscious, but still received high streams of extra oxygen on Sunday after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusion, as it remains in a critical condition with complex pulmonary infection, the Vatican said.
“The night was quiet, the Pope was resting,” Vatican spokesman Mateo Bruni said in an early statement.
Further clinical tests are performed on the 88-year-old pope, who was removed part of a pulmonary liver as a young man and a more detailed medical update was expected later on Sunday.
On Saturday, Francis suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required the “high flows” of oxygen to help him breathe through a nasal tube. He has also received a blood transfusion after the tests show the low platelet counts that are needed for clotting, the Vatican said.
Doctors said his forecast was “reserved” on Saturday.
Doctors said the condition of Francis was a touch, given his age, instability and existing pulmonary disease. His condition revives speculation about what can happen if he becomes unconscious or otherwise is not incapable and whether he can resign.
Prayers for a pope in the Vatican
Francis had to celebrate a liturgy on Sunday morning at St. Peter’s Basilica and led deacons as part of the Vatican’s annual commemorative year.
The organizer of the Holy Year, Archbishop Rino Fisicela, celebrated the liturgy in his place and offered a special prayer for Francis from the altar before delivering Homilia that the Pope prepared.
“Although he is in a hospital bed, we feel Pope Francis near us, we think he is present among us,” Fisicela told hundreds of deacons with white slaves.
A pre -written message that Francis had prepared for his prayer on Sunday, but did not deliver, said that “my hospital is continuing at the Jamel hospital, and is done with the necessary treatment; And a break is also part of the therapy! “The announcement celebrated the upcoming anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” a painful and shameful occasion for all humanity. “
The main threat to the Pope is the sepsis
Doctors have warned that the main threat to Francis will be the beginning of sepsis, a serious blood infection that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of sepsis and Francis responded to the various medicines it was taking, said the Pope’s medical team in his first in -depth update on the Pope’s condition.
Blood tests on Saturday show that it has developed a low platelet count, a condition called platelopenia or platelet. Platelets are cell fragments that circulate in the blood that help to form blood clots to stop bleeding or help heal wounds. The low platelet count can be caused by a number of things, including side effects of drugs or infections, according to the US National Health Institutes.
Francis, who has chronic pulmonary disease and is predisposed to bronchitis in winter, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a one -week bronchitis worsened.
Doctors first diagnosed the complex infection of the respiratory pathways of viral, bacteria and fungi and then the appearance of pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed an “absolute break” and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with extra oxygen when it needed it.
Francis’ recent reforms suggest he knows he is getting older and more fragile
Francis made several recent decisions that suggest that he was well aware that he was old and weak.
Last year, he reworked the funeral rites that would be used after he died, simplifying the rituals to emphasize his role as a simple bishop and to allow a funeral outside the Vatican in accordance with his wishes. But the main elements of the ordinances remain, including the three key moments that must be observed between the death of the Pope and his funeral: in his home, in the Basilica of St. Peter and at the place of funeral.
In December, Francis created 21 new cardinals. All but one were under 80 years old and thus was eligible to vote in a conclave to choose their heir. Their supplies brought the total number of cardinals for voting to 140, much above the limit 120, determined by St. John Paul II. But several of the current voters turn 80 this year, reducing numbers.
Earlier this month, after he was already ill, Francis decided to extend the five-year term of the current Cardinals College Dean, Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, 91 instead of making a way for someone new. As depicted in the movie Conclaw, the Dean of the Cardinals College plays an important role in the life of the Catholic hierarchy and is a decisive figure during the transition between one papacy and the next.
Francis also decided to extend the mandate of Deputy Decana, Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 81.
___
The Associated Press Religion coverage receives support through AP collaboration with the US conversation, such as funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is only responsible for this content.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.