Pope Francis' condition currently critical, not out of danger, says Vatican

Pope Francis continues to be in "critical" condition, said the Vatican in an update on Feb. 22.

The Holy Father was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.

Required high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions

The Vatican said Pope Francis is "not out of danger" on Feb. 22.

They explained that the Holy Father required high-flow oxygen after he suffered from a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis.

Blood transfusions were also required for the Pope after prior tests revealed he had a low platelet count.

"The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although in more pain than yesterday," they said.

As of yet, there is not enough information for a clear judgement on Pope Francis's condition.

Pope Francis's clinical conditions present "a complex picture"

In a press release on Feb. 18, the Holy See Press Office said the lab examinations and clinical conditions of Pope Francis presented "a complex picture" of his infection, though they added he remained in "good spirits".

Earlier this week, events that were meant to be led by Pope Francis were either cancelled or redelegated to other officials within the church.

His clinical condition improved slightly afterward, allowing him to return to work on Feb. 20.

The Vatican also denied rumours that the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Jesuit Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda visited the Holy Father in the hospital.

Such a meeting would fuel further speculation of the Pope's resignation.

The Holy Father has a history of respiratory problems, having developed pleurisy (inflammation of the membranes in the lungs), and had part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

Top image via Pope Francis's Instagram