Pope Francis remains in serious condition, according to the Vatican, with blood tests revealing mild indications of kidney failure “which is currently under control,” the Vatican stated on Sunday, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both lungs.
It further noted that Francis, who was hospitalized for over a week, has not experienced additional respiratory crises since last night.
Some of his blood tests indicate “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said, emphasizing that the Pope remains “vigilant and well-oriented.”
Francis, who continues to receive oxygen therapy, participated in the Holy Mass from the apartment arranged for him on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday morning, according to the statement. Those caring for him during his hospitalization also joined in.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback, require that the prognosis remain reserved,” the Vatican stated.
Earlier on Sunday, the Vatican announced that Francis had received high levels of oxygen following a respiratory crisis but had a restful night in the hospital. It confirmed that the Pope will remain hospitalized due to his pneumonia diagnosis and did not lead the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday—for only the third time in nearly 12 years of his papacy.
The Pope said his treatment is ongoing and expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their dedication in the text of Sunday’s sermon, which was shared with the press beforehand.
Earlier in the week, his condition had appeared to improve, with the Vatican reporting on Thursday that he was responding “positively” to medical treatment for pneumonia.
The pontiff was admitted to a clinic in Rome on February 14, initially undergoing tests for a respiratory tract infection. A later CT scan confirmed pneumonia in both lungs.
History of Respiratory Infections
Francis, who hails from Argentina, has a history of susceptibility to respiratory infections. In his youth, he endured a severe case of pneumonia, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung.
In 2021, doctors also surgically removed part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that can lead to inflammation or infection of the colon. He was hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023 and, in recent months, has suffered two falls that left him with a bruised chin and an injured arm, which required a sling.
This hospitalization marks the second-longest period Francis has spent in medical care since his election as pope, and by Monday, it will surpass the previous record.
His doctors have advised “complete rest.” However, he has continued to work, including during the first two days of his hospitalization, maintaining his daily phone call with Rev. Gabriel Romanelli and his assistant, Father Yusuf Asad, in Gaza City, northern Gaza. They have been in frequent contact since Israel launched its bombing campaign and siege on the enclave following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
Francis has also been approving decisions from the clinic, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told CNN. Only his “closest collaborators” have visited him, the spokesperson informed reporters earlier this week. On Wednesday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited him for 20 minutes.
“We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humour,” the Italian prime minister said in a statement.
(CNN)
