Pope Is Conscious And Receiving Supplemental Oxygen, Remains In Critical Condition

The Vatican says Pope Francis is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen after doctors earlier said that the 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was in critical condition.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis was conscious but still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen Sunday following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, as he remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection, the Vatican said.

The brief statement early Sunday didn’t mention if Francis was out of bed or eating breakfast, which it had on previous days. “The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” it said.

The Vatican later said Francis was conscious, continuing to receive supplemental oxygen and that further clinical tests were being conducted. A more detailed medical update was expected later Sunday.

On Saturday, doctors said the 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

The pope received “high flows” of oxygen to help him breathe through a nasal tube. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a late update.