Pope Francis in critical condition as Vatican confirms signs of kidney failure
Pope Francis remains in critical condition as medical tests indicate early signs of mild kidney failure, the Vatican announced on Sunday.
As reported by CNN, officials assured that the condition is currently under control.
According to the statement, the pontiff has not experienced further respiratory crises since Saturday evening and remains “vigilant and well-oriented.” He continues to receive oxygen and participated in Sunday morning’s Holy Mass from his hospital apartment on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“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 stated.
Earlier in the day, Vatican officials confirmed that Pope Francis had received high-flow oxygen treatment following a respiratory crisis but had a stable night in the hospital. Due to his ongoing treatment for pneumonia in both lungs, he was unable to deliver the weekly Angelus prayer—marking only the third time in nearly 12 years that he has missed the address.
In a pre-written message released to the press, the 88-year-old pontiff expressed gratitude to medical staff for their dedication and care.
His condition appeared to be improving earlier in the week, with the Vatican stating on Thursday that he was responding positively to pneumonia treatment. The Pope was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 for respiratory issues before a CT scan later confirmed pneumonia in both lungs.
Francis has a history of respiratory vulnerabilities. As a young man in Argentina, he suffered severe pneumonia, which led to the partial removal of one lung. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery due to diverticulitis, and in 2023, he was hospitalized with bronchitis. More recently, he experienced two falls, injuring his chin and arm.
The Vatican has yet to confirm when the Pope might be discharged, as doctors continue to monitor his condition closely.
