Pope Francis Remains in 'Critical' Condition Amid Kidney Issues, Vatican Reports

Pope Francis continues to face serious health issues, with recent tests revealing mild kidney problems while he remains alert and in care.

Pope Francis remains classified as being in "critical" condition, but the Vatican reported he has not experienced any new respiratory crises. He is currently receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and has undergone blood transfusions to manage his health while blood tests indicate he is dealing with initial mild renal insufficiency. This kidney concern is reported to be "currently under control," according to a Vatican statement on Sunday.

The Pope was hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after suffering from breathing issues over several days. Initially treated for bronchitis, he later received a pneumonia diagnosis affecting both lungs. The Vatican updated that the Pope’s condition known as thrombocytopenia, which is characterized by an abnormally low platelet count in the blood, remains stable as well.

On Sunday morning, he participated in Holy Mass with the hospital staff caring for him. However, the Vatican did not provide a prognosis due to the complexities of his clinical picture. Just days before this current statement, the Vatican reported a respiratory crisis, placing the Pope’s condition in a "critical" light once again.

During his hospital stay, the Pope expressed his need for prayers, unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive week. Having contracted pleurisy as a young man, Pope Francis is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia; he also underwent partial lung removal years ago. As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for the past 12 years, the Pope has had multiple health-related hospital admissions, including treatment for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, continues to gain global attention and concern as he faces serious health challenges.