Pope Francis is suffering from mild kidney failure in addition to the respiratory illness that has landed him in critical condition in a Rome hospital, according to the Vatican. The kidney ailment is currently under control, and there has been no recurrence of the respiratory crisis he experienced earlier. Blood tests showed early signs of kidney failure but also indicated improvement in Francis’ anemia. The situation remains critical due to the complexity of the clinical picture and the time needed for drug therapies to take effect.
Prayers have been pouring in from around the world as concerns grow over the health of Pope Francis. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, during a homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, called for people to pray for Francis, hinting that the pontiff may not recover. Doctors have described Francis’s condition as critical, acknowledging that his health is fragile and precarious. The Vatican has been issuing bulletins about the Pope’s health in consultation with medical staff at the hospital.
Francis had been admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 with a respiratory tract infection that progressed to pneumonia. Doctors had characterized his treatment as complicated due to his pre-existing lung issues and age. Sergio Alfieri, a member of Francis’s medical team, mentioned that the Pope had acknowledged his fragility and precarious health. The Vatican reported that Francis was experiencing difficulty breathing but was conscious and was receiving oxygen to assist with his breathing.
The Pope’s schedule has been disrupted due to his hospitalization, with all upcoming engagements canceled. Archbishop Rino Fisichella has called for intensified prayers for Francis during his time of trial and illness. In a message instead of his usual Sunday Angelus prayer, Francis expressed gratitude for the support he has received and asked for continued prayers. Faithful supporters gathered outside the hospital to pray for his recovery, lighting candles and reciting prayers for his well-being.
Prayer vigils have been held worldwide for Francis’s recovery, with masses and gatherings dedicated to his health and well-being. Past patients of the Gemelli hospital, such as Saint John Paul II, have received prayers and well wishes in the hope of a positive outcome for Pope Francis. Supporters have expressed their love and admiration for the Pope, emphasizing his dedication to serving the poor and his simplicity as a leader. The Vatican continues to provide updates on the Pope’s condition as the world watches and waits for news of his recovery.
