Vatican City — Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition as he battles a complex lung infection and early signs of kidney failure, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Sunday. Despite his fragile health, the pontiff remains alert and well-oriented, even as doctors administer high-flow supplemental oxygen to assist his breathing.
Health Update: Signs of Kidney Failure but Stable Condition
The Vatican confirmed that while the pope’s blood tests show the onset of mild kidney failure and a decreased platelet count (which is essential for blood clotting), both issues are currently under control.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback, dictate that the prognosis remains reserved,” Vatican doctors said in a statement.
The pope has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, after his earlier struggle with bronchitis worsened. Since his admission, prayers for his recovery have poured in from across the world, including from his native Argentina, Cairo, and schoolchildren in Rome.
A Global Outpouring of Support
On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the global support he has received, particularly the letters and drawings sent by children.
“I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” read a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
In New York City, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged the severity of the pope’s health crisis, calling it “a time of great fragility.” During Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dolan remarked:
“We are united at the bedside of a dying father. As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death.”
Holy Year Mass Continues Without the Pope
Pope Francis was scheduled to preside over Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning and ordain hundreds of deacons for the Vatican’s Holy Year commemoration. However, due to his hospitalization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella led the service in his place.
“Even though he is in a hospital bed, we feel Pope Francis close to us, we feel him present among us,” said Fisichella during the homily.
The Deacons Jubilee event, dedicated to deacons around the world, welcomed over 6,000 pilgrims from nearly 100 countries who gathered in Rome to pray for the pope’s health.
Speculation Over Possible Resignation Dismissed
Amid the pope’s declining health, speculation has grown over the possibility of his resignation. The Vatican swiftly dismissed rumors following reports that Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the pope’s chief canonist had visited him secretly in the hospital, allegedly to discuss a potential resignation.
In response, Cardinal Parolin said:
“Such speculation seems useless when what really matters is the health of Francis, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican.”
While Pope Francis has previously acknowledged having written a resignation letter in case he becomes medically incapacitated, he has also stated that the idea of stepping down has “never occurred” to him.
“Maybe if the day comes when my health can go no further,” Francis said in a May 2024 interview with CBS News.
His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was the first pope in 600 years to retire due to declining health before his death in 2022 at the age of 95.
