P ope Francis is in critical condition, the Associated Press reported Saturday, as the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church suffered a respiratory crisis following h

Pope Francis ' health has taken a turn for the worse. The 88-year-old experienced an "asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen," and his condition "continues to be critical," the Vatican said Feb. 22, more than a week after the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church was hospitalized.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said. After a full week in medical care, the Vatican announced Feb. 22 the Holy Father had suffered a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion