Pope Francis’ medical team briefly considered suspending treatment after a Feb. 28 breathing crisis but instead decided on an aggressive treatment course.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.

The Vatican says that Pope Francis is in “fair condition” at a hospital with a respiratory tract infection and is running a mild fever.

Pope Francis has promoted a Vatican nurse to be his “personal health care assistant” The Vatican announced the appointment of Massimiliano Strappetti on Thursday.