Vatican reveals Pope Francis has early stage kidney issues kept under control

On Sunday, officials reported that despite receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis is also facing early-stage kidney failure at an Italian hospital where he is in critical condition.

The Vatican confirmed that Francis is currently hospitalized at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where he is alert and even participated in Mass on Sunday. The pope was admitted on Feb. 14 due to pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

The Holy See Press Office issued a comprehensive update on the health of the 88-year-old pontiff, emphasizing that while his situation is critical, there have been no additional respiratory emergencies since Saturday evening.

“He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit, and his hemoglobin levels have risen,” the report noted.

Deacons take part in a mass for their jubilee in St. Peter’s Basilica at The Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, that was supposed to be presided over by Pope Francis who was admitted over a week ago at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic and is in critical condition.  (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

The statement came after Pope Francis published a message of his own on X, thanking the international Catholic community for their prayers. He had suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday, a condition worsened by the fact that he had part of one of his lungs removed when he was younger.

“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” Pope Francis posted on X Sunday. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!” 

Pope Francis holds his homily during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca/File Photo)

“I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests,” another post of his read. “May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.