Pope Francis had peaceful night’s rest at hospital following respiratory crisis, Vatican says

Pope Francis, 88, rested during a peaceful ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican said Sunday.

The update came after doctors said Francis, who had part of one lung removed when he was younger, was in critical condition.

It is unclear if he was awake and eating breakfast.

The pope suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday while being treated for double pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

He received “high flows” of oxygen to help him breathe, and he received blood transfusions after tests revealed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, according to the Vatican.

Francis “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday,” the Vatican said.

Doctors said Francis’ prognosis was “reserved.” Doctors have said his condition is touch-and-go, given his older age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease.

The main threat is if the infection enters the bloodstream, a serious condition known as sepsis, the doctors said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.