Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition with Pneumonia, Kidney Problems
Rome, Italy – Pope Francis, 88, remains in "critical condition" with double pneumonia and is receiving high-flow oxygen support, the Vatican announced on Sunday evening, February 23rd. The news comes as prayers for his recovery continue worldwide.
While the Pope has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday, "the complexity of the clinical picture and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to take effect require maintaining a reserved prognosis," according to the latest medical bulletin.
Although his anemia has improved and his thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) has remained stable after blood transfusions on Saturday, "some blood tests show an initial, mild renal insufficiency, currently under control," the doctors reported.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis was "suffering more than yesterday," noting that the "Holy Father’s condition remains critical" and that he "is not out of danger." The Pontiff suffered an "asthmatic-type respiratory crisis" in the morning, which "required the application of high-flow oxygen."
Despite his "critical" condition on Saturday evening, the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff "spent a quiet night and rested" at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the Vatican reported Sunday morning.
On Saturday afternoon, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not be reciting the Angelus prayer in public on Sunday for the faithful in Rome. The text of his address preceding the prayer will be published and not read before the crowd.
In a brief statement, the Holy See said the Pope had "rested well" during the night from Friday to Saturday, without mentioning whether he had gotten up or eaten anything in the morning.
The medical team treating him had stated as early as Friday afternoon, at a press conference, that a longer statement generally meant that the evolution of the Pope’s health was not good. "Is the Pope out of danger? No, the Pope is not out of danger," Professor Sergio Alfieri said during a press briefing at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the Pontiff has been receiving care since his hospitalization.
Francis was hospitalized on February 14th for bronchitis, but the Holy See revealed on Tuesday that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, a potentially fatal infection of lung tissue. This hospitalization, the Pope’s fourth since 2021, has raised concerns as he has already been weakened by a series of ailments in recent years, ranging from colon and abdominal operations to difficulty walking.
"I am continuing my hospitalization with confidence (…) by following the necessary treatments; and rest is also part of the therapy," the Pope wrote in a text written "in recent days," according to a Vatican source, so likely before Saturday’s worsening.
Numerous prayers for his health have been organized throughout Rome, Italy, and worldwide.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her well wishes on X Saturday evening, saying, "A prompt recovery to Pope Francis, a great humanist who has chosen the poorest and the promotion of brotherhood between peoples and between nations."
Other religious and political leaders have said they are praying for the Pope, including US President Donald Trump, who "is being updated" on the situation, the White House said. Since Saturday evening, internet users have also posted hundreds of messages saying they are praying for Francis, many posting a photo of the Bishop of Rome alone in St. Peter’s Square during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hospitalization of the Pope, who is both the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics and head of the Vatican City State, has raised questions about his ability to carry out his duties, as Canon Law does not provide for any arrangements in the event of a serious problem that would affect his lucidity.
