Pope still in ‘critical condition’ suffering from early stage of kidney failure

Comp of Pope Francis and Catholics outside his hospital — Pope Francis was hospitalised almost 10 days ago in Rome (Picture: Getty; Reuters)

Pope Francis remains in ‘critical condition’ battling double pneumonia andan early stage of kidney failure, the Vatican has announced.

The 88-year-old was admitted to the Catholic Gemelli Hospital in Rome 10 days ago where he is being treated for pneumonia in his lungs and chronic bronchitis.

Blood tests taken last night showed he had an ‘initial, slight insufficiency’ in his kidney function.

The prognosis for the pontiff, who required a transfusion of two units of blood on Saturday after experiencing a ‘prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,’ remains ‘guarded’, according to the latest medical update.

Candles and a photo of Pope Francis are seen in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome (Picture: AP)

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Nuns pray during a Rosary service in front of the Gemelli hospital, on February 22, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome last week with bronchitis, and was subsequently treated for a respiratory tract infection. Today's official bulletin released by the Vatican Press Office states that the condition of the Holy Father continues to be critical. This morning, the Pontiff experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen. Today's blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions. (Photo by Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) — Nuns pray during a Rosary service in front of the Gemelli hospital, on February 22 (Picture: Getty)

‘It was a good night, the pope slept and is resting,’ the Vatican said in a one-sentence update on Monday morning that did not provide further information.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as ‘complex,’ and that it was caused by two or more microorganisms.

Francis released a message to the 1.2 billion Catholics across the worldfrom his hospital bed on Sunday.

Catholic faithful attend a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina, February 23, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez — Catholic faithful attend a Mass to pray for Francis’ health, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires (Picture: Reuters)

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12, 2025. — Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12, 2025 (Picture: Getty)

‘I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy,’ he said through the Vatican.

‘I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.

Doctors said the prognosis was ‘reserved’, only aggravating the fears of his office.

Francis’ condition was described as ‘touch and go’, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease.

Nuns pray at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 where Pope Francis is hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) — Nuns pray at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome,where Pope Francis is hospitalized since (Picture: AP)

The main threat facing him is if the infection enters his bloodstream, a serious condition known as sepsis.

The pope, who has chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis during the winter, was hospitalised on February 14 after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened.

Doctors first diagnosed the complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection and then the onset of pneumonia in both lungs.

They prescribed ‘absolute rest’ and a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, along with supplemental oxygen when he needs it.

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