Pope Francis remains in “critical” condition, though he has not experienced additional respiratory issues, according to a Vatican statement on Sunday. The Vatican noted that he is “alert and well-oriented.”
He is still on high-flow oxygen therapy and has received blood transfusions. Tests revealed “mild, early-stage kidney problems,” which are currently under control, the statement added.
The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after struggling with breathing problems for several days. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
On Sunday, the Vatican reported that his thrombocytopenia—a condition caused by a low platelet count—remains stable.
That morning, the Pope “attended Holy Mass with those caring for him during this time,” the statement said.
Due to the complexity of his medical condition, the Vatican has not shared a prognosis.
This update follows Saturday’s announcement that Pope Francis had suffered a respiratory crisis and was in a “critical” state.
The Pope released a statement earlier Sunday asking Catholics to pray for him. For the second consecutive week, he could not lead the Angelus prayer.
Pope Francis is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia because of a past lung condition. As a young man, he developed pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs, which led to the partial removal of one lung.
During his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope has been hospitalized several times, including a stay at the same hospital in March 2023 for bronchitis treatment.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit born in Argentina to lead the Catholic Church.
