Pope Francis is still in critical condition, according to the Vatican, with blood tests indicating mild kidney failure “which is currently under control,” as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both lungs.
It also stated that Francis, who was hospitalised over a week ago, has not had any further respiratory crises since yesterday evening.
Some of his blood tests show “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope remains “vigilant and well-oriented.”
Francis, who is still receiving oxygen, attended the Holy Mass from an apartment set up on the 10th floor of Gemelli hospital on Sunday morning, according to the statement. Those who cared for him during his hospitalisation also participated.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback, require that the prognosis remain reserved,” according to the Catholic Church.
Earlier on Sunday, the Vatican announced that Francis had received high-flow oxygen after suffering a respiratory crisis but had a restful night in the hospital. The Vatican said Francis will remain in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, and he did not deliver the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday for the third time in his nearly 12-year papacy.
The Pope stated that his treatment is ongoing and thanked medical staff for their dedication in the text of Sunday’s sermon, which was sent to the press ahead of time.
The pope’s condition appeared to improve earlier this week, with the Vatican reporting that he was responding “positively” to medical treatment for pneumonia on Thursday.
On February 14, the pontiff was admitted to a clinic in Rome and began receiving tests for a respiratory tract infection. A subsequent CT scan revealed pneumonia in both lungs.
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt of Orlando Health Medical Group Urology, a kidney surgery specialist, told CNN that the Vatican’s most recent update on the Pope’s kidney health should not cause concern.
“I do not think it is anything significant per se, but we can tell his condition is still quite critical,” she said. “The kidneys itself are very delicate organs but they are also very resilient.”
He explained that in older adults, “infections can quickly worsen if the body’s immune response kicks into overdrive—something we call sepsis.” When pneumonia progresses to sepsis, widespread inflammation can harm multiple organs, including the kidneys, Brahmbhatt explained.
“In Pope Francis’ case, that manifests as mild renal failure. Kidney damage can be temporary and treatable, or it can be permanent,” he explained.
History of respiratory infections
Francis, who is from Argentina, is susceptible to respiratory infections. As a young man, he had a severe bout of pneumonia that required the removal of a portion of one lung.
In 2021, doctors surgically removed a portion of his colon due to diverticulitis, which can cause inflammation or infection of the colon. He was hospitalised with bronchitis in 2023 and has had two falls in recent months that have bruised his chin and injured his arm, which is now in a sling.
This is Francis’ second longest hospital stay since his election as pope, and he will set a new record on Monday.
The Pope’s doctors have recommended “complete rest.” Despite this, he continued to work, including making his daily phone call to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli and his assistant, Father Yusuf Asad, in Gaza City, northern Gaza, during his first two days in the hospital.
They have been in frequent contact since Israel launched its bombing campaign and siege of the enclave in response to Hamas-led attacks on October 7.
Francis has also signed off on clinic decisions, according to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. Earlier this week, the spokesperson told reporters that only his “closest collaborators” had paid him visits. On Wednesday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid him a 20-minute visit.
“We joked as usual. “He has not lost his sense of humour,” the Italian prime minister said in a statement.
