The Vatican has issued a concerning update on Pope Francis’ health, confirming that he received a blood transfusion and is “suffering more than yesterday.” The 88-year-old Pope has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for over a week, being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. His condition remains critical, and he experienced a severe asthma-like crisis that required high-flow oxygen.

Doctors also found thrombocytopenia, linked to anemia, which led to the transfusion. While they assure he’s not in immediate danger of death, his prognosis remains guarded. Pope Francis has a history of respiratory issues, including losing part of a lung to pleurisy and battling pneumonia in 2023.

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis will miss Sunday’s Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. He will prepare a homily to be read by someone else. Doctors expect him to remain in the hospital for at least another week, with millions praying for his recovery.

There has been no official comment from the Vatican regarding speculation about his possible resignation, as concerns about his health continue to grow.