The Vatican has announced a decline in the health of the Pope.

On Saturday, February 22, the press service of the Holy See reported that the health condition of Pope Francis remains critical. In the morning, the head of the Catholic Church experienced a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion.

“Pope Francis feels worse than yesterday,” the Vatican's statement released on Saturday said. It also noted that earlier in the day, His Holiness suffered from a “prolonged respiratory crisis resembling asthma,” and the prognosis for his health remains “uncertain.”

The Saturday statement from the Vatican indicated that Pope Francis's condition “remains critical.” However, doctors estimate that today he feels significantly worse than he did yesterday.

In the morning, the Pope experienced a “prolonged respiratory crisis that resembles asthma.” Blood tests also revealed that Francis is battling thrombocytopenia associated with anemia. It was explained that His Holiness remained conscious and could sit up, but he required a blood transfusion and assistance from an oxygen machine.

“The prognosis regarding his health remains uncertain,” reported the Holy See.

During a press conference at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday, members of the Pope's medical team stated that he would remain hospitalized for at least a week, but noted that he is still joking as usual and has even resumed working.

“Pope Francis's health condition can change from day to day,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who is caring for His Holiness in the hospital, to journalists. According to him, the Pope wants to be informed about his health status without any concealment.

Due to the deterioration of his condition, the Sunday prayer “Angelus” will not take place. Faithful from around the world are gathering outside the Gemelli clinic, laying flowers and praying for the Pope's health.

The 88-year-old Pope was hospitalized on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days, which forced him to stop reading sermons. On February 18, he was diagnosed with pneumonia.