VATICAN CITY, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, in critical condition battling double pneumonia, had a restful night following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican announced on Sunday.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, and was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Described as stable for the first time on Saturday, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions that day after a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."
"The night was tranquil, the pope rested," the Vatican stated briefly on Sunday morning without elaborating. Additional updates on the pope's condition are anticipated later today.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a senior Vatican official, urged participants in a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday morning to intensify their prayers for Pope Francis.
The Diocese of Rome, led by the pope, announced a special Mass on Sunday evening to pray for his strength to overcome this challenging moment.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection that can affect and scar both lungs, making breathing challenging. The Vatican characterized the pope's condition as "complex," suggesting it is caused by multiple microorganisms.
Pope Francis, in office since 2013, has a history of health issues, particularly with lung infections due to pleurisy in his youth and partial lung removal.
In the vicinity of the Vatican, pilgrims expressed worry about the pope's health, with Elvira Romana from Italy stating, "I am very, very sad" and Matteo Licari from Sardinia expressing extreme concern, saying, "Let's hope he can keep living."
Outside Gemelli hospital, individuals gathered to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who frequented the facility during his papacy. People left flowers and notes for Pope Francis and lit candles at the late pope's memorial.
In a statement on Saturday evening, the Vatican specified that the pope's respiratory crisis necessitated "high-flow oxygen" and blood transfusions due to a low platelet count associated with anemia, which aids in clotting and prevents bleeding.
During a briefing on Friday, the pope's doctors highlighted his susceptibility due to age and fragility. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior Gemelli staff member, stressed the danger of the lung infection progressing to sepsis, emphasizing the challenges it could pose for recovery.