Pope Francis remains in serious condition as he continues his fight against pneumonia and a complex lung infection, with recent medical evaluations revealing early signs of kidney failure. Despite his health struggles, the 88-year-old pontiff remains conscious and engaged, even attending Mass from his hospital bed, according to Vatican officials.
Health Update: Pneumonia and Kidney Concerns
A Vatican statement on Sunday confirmed that while Francis has not experienced further respiratory crises since the previous night, he is still relying on high levels of supplemental oxygen. Doctors noted mild but emerging kidney failure, though they assured the public that it was being managed. Due to the complexity of his condition and the ongoing treatment process, medical professionals remain cautious about his prognosis.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a persistent case of bronchitis worsened, eventually leading to a bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory infection. His treatment regimen includes antibiotics, cortisone, and oxygen therapy. Physicians are closely monitoring the risk of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.
Additionally, doctors have reported that the pope’s platelet levels remain low, though stable, and that he has been receiving treatment to improve his hemoglobin levels, enhancing his blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Worldwide Prayers and Support
As news of the pope’s condition spread, prayers and messages of support poured in from around the globe. Catholic communities in his native Argentina have been holding vigils, and in Buenos Aires, a message reading “Francis, the city prays for you” was displayed on the iconic obelisk.
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In Cairo, Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar, who shares a strong relationship with Francis, sent well wishes, asking for the pontiff’s swift recovery so he may continue his work. Messages of support also came from Jewish organizations, schoolchildren in Rome, and religious leaders worldwide.
At the Vatican, where Francis was originally scheduled to preside over Mass and ordain new deacons, Archbishop Rino Fisichella led the service in his place. He assured the congregation that while Francis was physically absent, he remained spiritually present and continued to pray for the faithful.
Preparing for the Future
Pope Francis has long acknowledged his advancing age and health challenges, making several key decisions in recent years to prepare for the future of the Church. He has streamlined papal funeral rites, ensuring a simpler yet dignified process, and has taken steps to strengthen the College of Cardinals, appointing 21 new cardinals in 2023. Most of them are under 80 and thus eligible to vote in a future conclave.
Additionally, just weeks ago, he extended the terms of two senior Vatican officials: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 81, who serves as vice-dean. These moves suggest the pope was aware of his increasing frailty and wanted to maintain continuity in Church leadership.
As Francis’ condition remains delicate, the world watches closely, with millions of Catholics offering prayers for his recovery. His medical team continues to assess his health day by day, hopeful that treatment will stabilize his condition .
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