Vatican officials stated today that Pope Francis remains in critical condition, with blood tests revealing early signs of kidney failure, but he remains conscious and responsive, and participated in Mass. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection. The Vatican is closely monitoring his condition and providing the best possible care.
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02-24, 2025In its latest update, the Vatican noted that Pope Francis has not experienced any further respiratory distress since Saturday night, but still requires high-flow oxygen support. Some blood test results showed "initial, mild kidney failure," but doctors said the condition is under control. They are working to stabilize his health.
"Given the complexity of the clinical picture, and the need to wait for the effects of drug therapy, the prognosis remains guarded at the moment," Pope Francis' doctors concluded. Meanwhile, a flood of prayers is pouring in from around the world, from his native Argentina to the Sunni Islamic center of Cairo, and to schoolchildren in Rome. These prayers offer comfort and hope.
In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged what Roman church leaders have not publicly stated: that Catholic faithful are united, "at the bedside of a father who is gravely ill." Dolan said while preaching from the pulpit of St. Patrick's Cathedral: "Because our Pope Francis is very frail, and perhaps nearing the end." But he later told reporters that he hopes and prays that Francis will "recover his health." Doctors say that given Francis' age, physical condition, and history of lung disease, his condition remains unclear. The global Catholic community remains concerned.
His condition has once again sparked speculation: what would happen if he lost consciousness or became incapacitated? Would he resign? Pope Francis was scheduled to preside over Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday morning and ordain deacons as part of the Vatican's year-long Jubilee celebrations. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Jubilee organizer, replaced him at the Mass, offering a special prayer for Francis from the altar before his homily. "Even from his hospital bed, we feel Pope Francis is with us," Fisichella told the hundreds of deacons dressed in white robes. "We feel he is among us." The church continues its work despite the Pope's illness.
A pre-prepared message for Francis to read on Sunday, but which he was unable to deliver, said that he "continues with confidence to be hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital, continuing to receive the necessary treatment; rest is also part of the treatment!" The message asked people to pray for him—as he has always requested—and noted the upcoming anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, "a moment of pain and shame for all humanity." He remains concerned about global issues.
Meanwhile, in Francis's native Argentina, Catholics prayed for the Pope at the Buenos Aires Cathedral, and the city's iconic obelisk was lit up with the words "Francis, the city prays for you." In Cairo, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Sunni learning center, posted on Facebook: "I ask God to grant my dear brother Pope Francis a speedy recovery and bless him with health and wellness so that he may continue his service to humanity." The support for the Pope is widespread.
The American Jewish Committee also expressed its prayers. "We stand with our Catholic brothers and sisters at this challenging time," the organization wrote on X. Schoolchildren from across Rome flooded Gemelli Hospital with get-well cards, while Italian bishops led prayers of the Rosary and held special Masses throughout Italy. People of all faiths are offering their support.
Doctors have warned that the main threat facing Francis is sepsis, a severe blood infection that can be a complication of pneumonia. To date, medical updates provided by the Vatican, including Sunday's, have not mentioned any episodes of sepsis. On Saturday, Francis's platelet count was low, and it remained low but stable on Sunday. Platelets are cell-like fragments that circulate in the blood and help form clots to stop bleeding or help wounds heal. Low platelet counts can be caused by a variety of factors, including side effects from medication or infection. Doctors are carefully monitoring this.
Francis has also experienced anemia and received heme therapy during a blood transfusion on Saturday, aimed at increasing the level of hemoglobin in his blood, which helps the blood carry more oxygen. Doctors reported on Sunday that the therapy was beneficial. Francis suffers from chronic lung disease and is prone to bronchitis in the winter, and he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a week of worsening bronchitis. His medical history is complex.
Doctors initially diagnosed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infection, then diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs. They prescribed "absolute rest," along with a combination of cortisone and antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen as needed. Francis has recently made some decisions that indicate he is aware that he is aging and weakening. He is preparing for the future.
Last year, he revised the funeral rites that will be used after his death, simplifying the ceremonies to emphasize his role as simply a bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican, according to his wishes. But the core elements of the ceremony remain, including the three key moments that must be observed between the Pope's death and funeral: at his home, at St. Peter's Basilica, and at the burial site. These traditions are still important.
In December, Francis appointed 21 new cardinals. All but one were under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in the conclave that will elect his successor. Their addition brought the total number of voting cardinals to 140, well above the limit of 120 set by St. John Paul II. But several electors will turn 80 this year, reducing the number. Earlier this month, while already ill, Francis decided to extend the five-year term of the current Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (91), rather than make way for someone new. As depicted in the film "The Conclave," the Dean of the College of Cardinals plays an important role in the Catholic hierarchy and is a key figure in the transition from one pope to the next. Francis also decided to extend the term of the Vice-Dean, Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (81). The future leadership of the church is being carefully planned.
