Serious questions are being raised about the health of Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church. 

The Associated Press reported, over the weekend, that the pope's condition had changed to "critical."

It would appear, at the time of this writing, that the pope is doing slightly better, but it is unclear whether or not he is out of danger just yet.

Vatican doctors are not receiving too much information about the situation.

"Critical condition"

The Associated Press reports that the pope's condition had deteriorated on Saturday.

"Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection," the outlet reported.

It continued, "The 88-year-old pope, who remains conscious, received 'high flows' of oxygen to help him breathe. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting,"

The Vatican, for its part, has released a statement on the matter, saying that the pope is "not out of danger."

He has been in the hospital since Feb. 14, 2025, Saturday was the first day that his condition was listed as critical. The Vatican, though, did say that the pope "continues to be alert."

A "peaceful" night, but still "critical"

Another update about Pope Francis's condition was provided on Sunday morning, which was the day after he was listed as being in "critical condition."

In a subsequent report, the Associate Press reported:

Pope Francis was conscious but still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen Sunday following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, as he remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection, the Vatican said. “The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in an early statement.

The Vatican, though, also noted that, despite the "peaceful night," Pope Francis remains in critical condition. Vatican doctors were asked for a prognosis, and the word they used was "reserved."

Considering his health struggles, Pope Francis was unable to celebrate mass on Sunday.

The Associated Press reports that others did so in his place, writing:

Francis was supposed to have celebrated Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter’s Basilica and ordained deacons as part of the Vatican’s yearlong Holy Year commemoration. The organizer of the Holy Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, celebrated the Mass in his place and offered a special prayer for Francis from the altar before delivering the homily the pope had prepared.