ROME. Pope Francis remains under close medical supervision as he marks his 10th day of hospitalization for a severe lung infection, which has led to early-stage kidney failure. According to the Vatican’s latest statement on Monday morning, the 88-year-old pontiff had a peaceful night and continues to rest.
“The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting,” the brief statement read, without specifying whether he had already woken up.
Medical updates on Sunday evening revealed that while blood tests confirmed the onset of kidney failure, the condition remains under control. Despite being in critical condition, Francis has not suffered any further respiratory crises since Saturday. He continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen and remains alert and responsive. On Sunday, he was able to attend Mass, though his overall prognosis remains guarded.
Doctors have cautioned that the pope’s health remains precarious due to his advanced age, frailty, and a history of lung disease. The primary concern is the risk of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. However, Vatican medical reports have yet to indicate any signs of sepsis.
Monday marks the longest hospitalization of Francis’ papacy, tying the 10-day stay he endured in 2021 when he underwent surgery to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York acknowledged what Vatican officials have yet to state publicly: the Catholic faithful worldwide are united in concern for a pontiff facing a grave health battle.
“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” Dolan said during his homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday. However, he later expressed hope, telling reporters he was praying for the pope’s recovery and that he would “bounce back.”
Speculation has grown over what might transpire if Pope Francis becomes unconscious or incapacitated, with renewed discussions about the possibility of resignation. As the Vatican continues to monitor his condition, the global Catholic community remains on edge, hoping for signs of improvement in the days ahead.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
- Gary P Hernalhttps://tutubi.ph/author/gary-hernal/
