ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is resting comfortably on Monday morning, following a peaceful night, as he enters the 10th day of his hospitalization for a complicated lung infection that has resulted in early-stage kidney insufficiency, according to the Vatican.

A brief statement from the Vatican did not indicate whether the 88-year-old pontiff had awakened. It did mention, “The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting.”

On Sunday evening, medical professionals shared that blood tests indicated “early, slight kidney insufficiency,” which remains under control. They have stated that while the pope is in critical condition, he has not faced any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

Pope Francis is receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen and, on Sunday, appeared alert, responsive, and even attended Mass. However, doctors maintain that his prognosis is cautious.

Given his age, delicate health, and existing lung disease, physicians have conveyed that the pope’s condition is unstable, highlighting that the primary concern is sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise from pneumonia complications.

So far, the Vatican has not reported any signs of sepsis in their medical updates, including those released on Sunday.

This Monday marks the pope’s 10th day in the hospital, matching the length of his previous longest hospitalization during his papacy, which occurred in 2021 when he underwent surgery to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

In New York on Sunday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged sentiments that church leaders in Rome have refrained from expressing publicly, stating that the Catholic community is uniting “at the bedside of a dying father.”

“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” Dolan remarked in his homily from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, though he expressed hope and prayer that Francis would “bounce back.”

The pope’s current health status has sparked renewed discussions regarding potential scenarios if he were to become unconscious or unable to fulfill his duties, including the prospect of resignation.

___

This update clarifies that doctors have detected early stages of kidney insufficiency, rather than failure.

___

Coverage of religion by the Associated Press is supported in partnership with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP assumes full responsibility for this content.