Francis, who has chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis in winter, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on 14 February after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened, reported AP.
Published Feb 24, 2025 | 10:27 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 24, 2025 | 10:27 AM
Pope Francis.
Synopsis: The condition of Pope Francis remains critical and some blood tests showed mild kidney failure. However, he had not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday evening. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
The Vatican News reported on Sunday, 23 February that the condition of Pope Francis remains critical and said that some blood tests showed mild kidney failure.
“The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” the Holy See Press Office said in a press release.
However, the report also said he had not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday evening.
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises. He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his haemoglobin levels have risen,” the Holy See Press Office said.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
Francis, who has chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis in winter, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, on 14 February after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened, reported AP.
The Vatican said that he attended the Holy Mass on Sunday.
“This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalisation,” the press release said.
Holy See Press Office further said that the treatment for the Pope is ongoing.
“He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his haemoglobin levels have risen. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas. The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded,” it said.
Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, reported AP.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
