JUST IN: Pope Francis in critical condition as Vatican monitors kidney function
Pope Francis remains in critical condition as medical reports indicate early signs of mild kidney failure, though the Vatican assures that the situation is under control.
According to officials, the 88-year-old pontiff has shown no further respiratory distress since Saturday night. He continues to receive oxygen support but remains alert and responsive. On Sunday morning, he participated in Holy Mass from his hospital suite on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“The complexity of his condition requires careful monitoring, and we must allow time for treatments to take effect,” the Vatican stated, keeping his prognosis uncertain.
Earlier, it was confirmed that Francis had been given high-flow oxygen therapy after experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite showing signs of stability, 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 prepared message released to the press, the Pope expressed appreciation for the dedication of his medical team.
His condition appeared to improve earlier in the week, with the Vatican previously stating that he was responding well to treatment. He was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to respiratory complications, and a subsequent CT scan confirmed pneumonia in both lungs.
Pope Francis has a history of respiratory challenges. As a young man in Argentina, he battled a severe lung infection that led to the partial removal of one lung. Over the years, he has faced additional health setbacks, including colon surgery in 2021, hospitalization for bronchitis in 2023, and recent falls that resulted in minor injuries.
Doctors continue to monitor his condition closely, and the Vatican has not yet provided a timeline for his discharge.
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