Continuing to command the world's attention, Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome as he deals with severe pneumonia and kidney complications. Despite being in critical condition, hospital updates indicate that the pontiff is stable and receiving appropriate care, while global prayers mount for his recovery.
Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition Amid Ongoing Health Concerns
Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition Amid Ongoing Health Concerns
Vatican officials report that Pope Francis has had a stable night, despite battling pneumonia and kidney issues that have placed him in critical condition.
Pope Francis is currently resting at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he has been under treatment for pneumonia, a serious infection, and newly emerged kidney problems that have rendered him critically ill. The Vatican announced early on Monday morning that “the night went well,” noting that the 88-year-old pontiff enjoyed a restful sleep, although they did not provide further specifics about his health status. An update on his condition is expected later today, following reports indicating the pope is now facing “initial, mild kidney failure."
According to the latest Vatican statement, the kidney complications are presently "under control," alleviating some anxiety following a concerning “asthmatic respiratory crisis” experienced by the pope over the weekend. Hospital assessments revealed that he is "alert and well oriented," and improvements in his anemia have been attributed to recent blood transfusions, although he continues to rely on high levels of supplemental oxygen.
Pope Francis, who underwent lung surgery in his youth, has faced persistent health challenges in recent years. His current hospitalization marks his longest stay due to a lung infection. On Friday, Sergio Alfieri, a member of the pontiff's medical team, shared that Francis is aware of his health fragility, stating, "both doors are open." Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, during a Sunday homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, emphasized the gravity of the Pope's health, calling on the congregation to pray for him as he is in “very, very fragile health and probably close to death.”
Supporters and followers worldwide are uniting in prayerful vigil for Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. Vigils and prayer gatherings are taking place not only around the hospital in Rome but also across South Korea and his homeland of Argentina, reflecting the global concern and love for the pontiff during this challenging time.
