Pope Francis remains in critical condition following a respiratory attack that has raised concerns about his health and future as the leader of the Catholic Church. The Vatican announced on Saturday that the 88-year-old pontiff is alert but requires high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions due to complications from double pneumonia. He is currently hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has spent the past eight nights.

The Vatican’s latest update revealed that Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, necessitating the administration of oxygen and daily blood tests that indicated thrombocytopenia and anemia. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Holy Father has shown resilience, spending time in an armchair and engaging in prayer, though he reportedly felt worse than the previous day.

In light of his health issues, the pope will not deliver his usual weekly Angelus prayer, with the text being published instead. This hospitalization has reignited discussions about his capacity to continue leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, prompting speculation about a potential resignation—though Vatican officials urge focus on the pope’s recovery rather than succession talks.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, emphasized the need to prioritize the Holy Father’s health and well-being. Outside the hospital, groups of nuns and priests gathered to pray for Pope Francis, expressing hope for his recovery. The pontiff’s medical team, led by Professor Sergio Alfieri, has indicated that while the situation remains serious, there is no immediate danger to his life.

Pope Francis, who has served as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including major surgeries in 2021 and 2023. Although he has humorously acknowledged the speculation surrounding his health and potential resignation, the current focus remains on his recovery and return to the Vatican.