CNN
—

The Vatican reports that Pope Francis is in critical condition as he continues to battle pneumonia affecting both lungs. Blood tests indicate mild kidney issues, which the Vatican confirmed are currently being managed, while the 88-year-old pope receives treatment.

The Vatican also noted that, since last evening, the Pope has not experienced any significant respiratory episodes since being hospitalized over a week ago.

Some lab results indicate “a slight renal impairment, which is under control,” the Vatican stated, highlighting that Pope Francis remains “alert and oriented.”

The Pope continues to receive supplemental oxygen and participated in the Holy Mass from the hospital’s 10th-floor apartment on Sunday morning, alongside his healthcare providers.

According to the Vatican, the intricate nature of his medical condition and the required wait for medication to take effect mean that predictions about his recovery must be guarded.

Earlier reports indicated that the Pope faced a respiratory challenge requiring a high flow of oxygen but had a restful night in the hospital. Following his pneumonia diagnosis, the Pope was unable to deliver his weekly Angelus prayer for only the third time in nearly twelve years of his papacy.

In his sermon, which was pre-released for media coverage, the Pope expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their exceptional care as he continues treatment.

Earlier in the week, the Vatican reported a positive response to treatment for pneumonia, and doctors assessed his condition as having improved.

Pope Francis was admitted to a Roman hospital on February 14 for a respiratory tract infection, later confirmed as pneumonia in both lungs through a CT scan.

Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a kidney specialist from Orlando Health Medical Group, advised not to be overly concerned about the Pope’s kidney health as reported by the Vatican.

“The current updates are not alarming, but they do indicate that his situation remains critical,” Brahmbhatt explained. “The kidneys are fragile yet resilient organs.”

He added that in older patients, infections can escalate rapidly when the immune system overreacts, leading to conditions like sepsis, which can adversely affect multiple organs, including the kidneys.

“For Pope Francis, this weakness has manifested as mild renal impairment. Kidney injury may be temporary and improve with care, or it could be ongoing,” he stated.

Born in Argentina, Pope Francis has had a history of vulnerable respiratory health, including a serious pneumonia episode in his youth that resulted in part of one lung being removed.

In 2021, he underwent surgery for diverticulitis, which can cause colon complications, and he was hospitalized for bronchitis in 2023. He has also experienced two falls in recent months, resulting in a bruised chin and arm injury requiring a sling.

This current hospitalization marks the second-longest period Pope Francis has spent in a medical facility since his papacy began, with a record likely to be set on Monday.

Despite medical advice for “total rest,” the Pope continues his work, maintaining important communications with his assistant and others in areas affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Pope Francis has been making decisions from the hospital, as reported by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, who noted that only his closest associates have been visiting him. Earlier this week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spent 20 minutes with him, during which they shared light-hearted moments.

“We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his sense of humor,” stated the Italian Prime Minister.

This article has been updated with the latest information.