Pope Francis remained in a critical condition, but alert, on Sunday, with blood tests showing early kidney failure, officials have said.
The Vatican provided a late update on the condition of the 88-year-old pontiff who is currently battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection. Despite his health challenges, he remains ‘well oriented’ and even attended Mass recently.
It added that the Pope hadn’t had any more respiratory crises since Saturday night but was still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen.
Medical tests indicated some concerning issues such as mild kidney failure, but doctors assured that it was being managed effectively. Additionally, the initially low platelet count, crucial for clotting, has stabilized following its detection over the weekend.
Doctors evaluating the pontiff’s condition highlighted the complexity of his medical situation and emphasized the need to wait for the effects of treatment before determining a prognosis. As a result, the medical team maintains a reserved outlook on the pontiff’s health at this time.
Earlier today, the Pope from his hospital bed thanked doctors as well as people sending ‘prayers of comfort’ from all over the world.
‘I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment – and rest is also part of the therapy!’ the pontiff wrote in a statement.
He thanked the doctors and health workers at the hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 with bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia.
In a late update, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff remains ‘well oriented’ and attended Mass, as he battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection
Pope Francis (pictured above on February 14) has spoken from his hospital bed to thank doctors as well as people sending ‘prayers of comfort’ from all over the world
Balloons with an image of Pope Francis are seen outside the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 23, 2025
‘In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,’ the pope added
Pope Francis has spoken from his hospital bed to thank doctors as well as people sending ‘prayers of comfort’ from all over the world
Vatican sources said Sunday he was still receiving oxygen through a tube tucked into his nose.
‘In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,’ the pope added.
‘Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.’ He reiterated the statement in a post on X.
Vatican sources said the statement was written in the past few days – likely before the pontiff suffered a respiratory attack on Saturday, after which the Holy See warned his condition ‘continues to be critical’.
This morning, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had a ‘peaceful’ night in hospital, but no further update on the 88-year-old’s condition was given.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni’s one-line statement did not mention if Francis was up or eating breakfast. ‘The night passed peacefully, the pope rested,’ the short update read.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.
On Saturday he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
The pope received ‘high flows’ of oxygen to help him breathe and also had blood transfusions for the first time.
Tests had shown that the pope had low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a late update.
The statement on Saturday also said that the pontiff ‘continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday’. Doctors said the prognosis was ‘reserved’.
Doctors also said Francis’ condition is touch and go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, and that the main threat facing him is if the infection enters the bloodstream, a serious condition known as sepsis.
Francis, who has chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis in winter, was admitted to hospital after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened.
People pray outside the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 23, 2025
People pray at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised for pneumonia, in Rome on February 23, 2025
People pray outside the Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 23, 2025
The pope normally delivers his weekly Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican (pictured above during the prayer in January), finishing by asking the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square below to pray for him, and have a good lunch
Members of the clergy stand in St.Peter’s Square as Pope Francis continues treatment at Gemelli hospital and won’t lead the Angelus from his window at the Vatican, February 23, 2025
Doctors first diagnosed the complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection and then the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.
They prescribed ‘absolute rest’ and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen when he needs it.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as ‘complex’, saying it is being caused by two or more microorganisms.
The pope normally delivers his weekly Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, finishing by asking the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square below to pray for him, and have a good lunch.
He usually calls for peace and did so again Sunday, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Monday.
‘Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity!’ he wrote.
‘As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan.’
Last Sunday the pontiff also missed his Angelus prayer and the Vatican published a written text instead.
