Pope Francis undergoing further tests after 'tranquil night,' Vatican sources say

 VATICAN CITY-- Pope Francis was undergoing further clinical tests Sunday after resting during a "tranquil night," though he continues to use oxygen following an asthmatic crisis on Saturday that alarmed his doctors who said he was in a critical condition, Vatican sources said.

 

 The 88-year-old pontiff received a complete blood transfusion Saturday after the breathing crisis Saturday morning on the 8th day of his sojourn at the Gemelli Polyclinic hospital where he has been undergoing treatment for double pneumonia. By Saturday evening the crisis was over following the transfusion though Francis continues to receive oxygen through his nose, the sources added.

 

 Francis was awake throughout Saturday and remained alert and awake Sunday, the sources added.

 

 The pope's weekly Angelus for a second week running was distributed by the Vatican press office rather than read by Francis. 

 

 In the text he thanked the faithful for their prayers for his health and reiterated his appeal for peace in Ukraine and other trouble spots of the world.

 jp