The Vatican on Sunday said that Pope Francis remains in critical condition with blood tests showing mild signs of kidney failure ‘which is currently under control’, as the 88-year-old pontiff is battling pneumonia in both his lungs.
The update added that Francis, who was hospitalized over a week ago, has not shown further respiratory crises since yesterday evening, CNN reported. “Some of his blood tests showed ‘an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope continues to be ‘vigilant and well oriented.’
“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 said.
In a post in X (formerly Twitter), the Pope thanked his followers for their prayers around the world. He said, “I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 23, 2025
On Saturday, the Vatican said that Pope health deteriorated and his condition was described as critical. “Pope remained conscious and received supplemental oxygen to help him breathe. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting”, the Vatican said.
“This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen. Daily blood tests showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anaemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions”, the statement said. “The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair even if he was suffering more than yesterday”, it added.
Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed, according to Reuters.
