The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition in the hospital due to kidney failure.
Blood tests suggest the pontiff is suffering from early kidney failure as he battles pneumonia and a severe lung infection, authorities said in a statement Wednesday night.
In a brief statement issued this morning, the Vatican claimed Pope Francis, 88, had a nice night and was resting after being ‘well oriented’ and attending Mass on Sunday.
‘The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting,’ it added as the Pope reached his 11th day at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, marking this his longest hospitalization during his pontificate.
The pope, who has led the Catholic Church worldwide since 2013, was admitted on Valentine’s Day due to breathing problems.
Officials reported on Sunday that the Pope had not had any further respiratory crises since Saturday night, but he was still requiring high levels of supplementary oxygen, underlining that Francis was remained in critical condition.
Some blood tests revealed ‘initial, mild, kidney failure,’ but physicians maintained it was under control. The low platelet count, which was discovered on Saturday and is required for clotting, has remained consistent.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback, dictate that the prognosis remains reserved,” the doctors concluded.
Earlier on Sunday, the Pope expressed gratitude to physicians and people throughout the world who sent ‘prayers of comfort’ from his hospital bed.
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment – and rest is also part of the therapy!” the pontiff wrote in a statement.
He shared on Twitter/X on Sunday: “I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.
“Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
