File Photo: Pope Francis leads a prayer service of Vespers at the East Feast of the Lord's Presentation at St. Peter's Cathedral on February 1, 2025.
Ciro de Luca | Reuters
Pope Francis, who is battling double pneumonia, has left his second day running in a critical state and his prognosis is still protected, the Vatican said on Sunday.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Gemeri Hospital in Rome on February 14 after experiencing dyspneumism in both lungs, after which he diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.
The Vatican first explained his condition on Saturday, reporting that Francis needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions the day after a “long-term asthma-like respiratory crisis.”
“The Holy Father's condition remains critical. However, last night he has not experienced any further breathing crisis,” the Vatican said Sunday.
The blood test also said it showed “mild kidney failure currently under control.”
“The complexity of the clinical picture and the waiting time required for pharmacotherapy to show any effectiveness require that the prognosis remain protected,” he said.
The statement described the Pope as “high-flow oxygen therapy” through a tube under his nose.
Francis continues his treatment at the hospital “confident” in a written message to his usual Sunday prayer at St. Peters Square, which the Pope couldn't read for two weeks in a row. I said that. He thanked his doctors and those who sent him a message of support.
Archbishop Lino Fischella, a senior Vatican official, told attendees at the Mass at St. Peter on Sunday morning that he should pray “stronger and more intense” for Francis.
The Pope-led parish held a special Mass to pray for Francis on Sunday evening.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflam and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican describes the Pope's infection as “complex” and says it is caused by two or more microorganisms.
Francis, who has been a pope since 2013, has suffered from illness health over the past two years. He developed into the pleura as a young adult and removed a part of one lung, making him particularly susceptible to pulmonary infections.
The Pilgrims pray for the Pope
Near the Vatican on Sunday morning, pilgrims had expressed concern over the Pope's status.
“I'm very sad,” said Elvira Romana, who is from Italy. “I don't know how to continue normally at this point.”
Matteo Ricari, from Sardinia, said he was “very worried.” “I hope he can stay alive,” Rikari said. “We're waiting for him to come back here.”
Outside the Gemeri Hospital, a group of people gathered to pray near the statue of the late Pope John Paul II.
People left flowers and notes for Francis, illuminating candles at the foot of the monument to the late Pope.
In a statement Saturday evening, the Vatican said the Pope needed a blood transfusion as tests showed that the Pope had low platelet counts associated with anemia. Platelets are cell fragments in the blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
At a briefing on Friday, two of his doctors said the Pope was extremely vulnerable due to his age and general frailty.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of Gemelli's staff, said there is a risk that a pulmonary infection could spread into his bloodstream and lead to sepsis.
