Vatican confirms Pope Francis is in critical condition

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis is in "critical condition" after he was hospitalized for a complex lung infection.

According to the latest announcement, Pope Francis experienced a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anemia.

The statement from the Vatican explained, "The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved."

The Pope contracted a viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection which led to the onset of pneumonia in both lungs. The pneumonia is of most concern as it could lead to sepsis which would likely be fatal considering the pontiff's already fragile state.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri explained in a news conference on Friday that, "Sepsis, with his respiratory problems and his age, would be really difficult to get out of. The English say, "knock on wood," we say "touch iron." Everyone touch what they want. But this is the real risk in these cases: that these germs pass to the bloodstream."

Catholics around the world are sure to be watching this situation closely. Pope Francis is 88 years old and isn't expected to live much longer, but that does little to alleviate the gravity of this moment.