Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition Following Prolonged ‘Respiratory Crisis,’ Vatican Says

The Vatican said Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthma-like episode on Feb. 22 and has received a blood transfusion.

Candles are left at the foot of a marble statue of late Pope John Paul II outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic where Pope Francis is being treated for pneumonia, in Rome on Feb. 20, 2025. Domenico Stinellis/AP Photo

Pope Francis remains in critical condition as of Feb. 22, as he continues to battle with a complex respiratory illness.

“The condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. Therefore, as explained yesterday, the Pope is not out of danger,” the Holy See Press Office said on Saturday.