Pope Francis remains in a “critical” condition as he battles respiratory and kidney complications more than a week after his hospitalization, the Vatican announced Monday. Despite his frail state, officials said the 87-year-old pontiff is resting and responding to treatment.
“The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting,” a Vatican statement confirmed, offering cautious optimism amid the complexity of his medical situation.
The Pope, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, was initially treated for bronchitis before doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs. He has since been receiving high-flow oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, and treatment for a kidney problem. His thrombocytopenia remains stable, a condition marked by a dangerously low platelet count.
Despite his condition, Francis participated in Mass on Sunday with his caregivers and issued a statement urging Catholics worldwide to pray for him. His absence from the traditional Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week underscored the gravity of his illness.
The Vatican has refrained from providing a prognosis, citing the complexity of the Pope’s health. However, officials confirmed that he has not suffered further respiratory crises since Saturday.
Pope Francis, who has long struggled with lung issues since undergoing partial lung removal in his youth, has faced multiple hospitalizations during his 12-year papacy.
Source: BBC