Pope Francis, 88, is facing mild kidney failure while still undergoing treatment for pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed on Sunday.
Despite his condition, the Vatican reassured that the situation remains under control. “The Holy Father’s condition is currently stable, and he remains under close medical observation,” the statement read.
The Pope, who was hospitalized over a week ago, has shown no further respiratory crises since Saturday evening. However, blood tests revealed “an initial, mild renal failure, which is currently under control.” The Vatican added that the pontiff remains “vigilant and well-oriented.”
Francis, who hails from Argentina, has long been vulnerable to respiratory infections. As a young man, he suffered a severe bout of pneumonia, which led to the removal of part of one lung. In 2021, doctors also surgically removed part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that can cause inflammation or infection of the colon.
Over the past two years, his health has faced multiple challenges. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis, and in recent months, he suffered two falls, resulting in a bruised chin and an arm injury that required a sling.
This hospitalization marks the second-longest period the Pope has spent in a medical facility since his election. By Monday, he will have broken his personal record for the longest hospital stay as pontiff.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis continues to participate in religious activities. On Sunday, he joined the Holy Mass from his hospital apartment on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. His caregivers also took part in the service.
“The complexity of the clinical picture and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback require that the prognosis remain reserved,” the Vatican stated.
In his sermon, which was shared with the press in advance, the Pope expressed gratitude to medical personnel for their dedication, stating that his treatment continues.
Earlier in the week, the Vatican had noted that he was responding “positively” to pneumonia treatment. He was initially admitted to a Rome clinic on February 14 for tests related to a respiratory tract infection, but further examinations confirmed pneumonia in both lungs.
Medical experts are closely monitoring his kidney function while ensuring his respiratory condition remains stable. The Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for his discharge.
