Vatican issues update on Pope Francis, 88, as Pontiff remains in critical condition battling double pneumonia

THE Vatican has given the latest update on Pope Francis’s health as the 88-year-old Pontiff remains in critical condition.

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties, later being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

AFP

The Vatian has given the latest health update on Pope Francis[/caption]

EPA

A candle with the image of Pope Francis (L) outside Gemelli University Hospital, where the Pontiff is battling pneumonia and a respiratory infection[/caption]

The Vatican described his condition as critical for the first time on Saturday, reporting that he had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions that day.

“The night was tranquil, the pope rested,” the Vatican said in its latest update on Sunday morning.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as “complex”, saying it is being caused by two or more microorganisms.

Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years.

He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.

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