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Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he receives treatment for double pneumonia and a mild renal insufficiency, the Vatican shared on Sunday.
The pope had difficulty breathing for several days before he was admitted on Feb. 14 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Doctors later diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs, referred to as “double pneumonia.”
Francis, 88, was in critical condition after a respiratory crisis, the Vatican previously shared Saturday, saying he was treated with an administration of oxygen and required a blood transfusion.
But the Catholic officials also said the pope had a “tranquil” night following his treatment.
Though the pope remained critical on Sunday, he “presented no further respiratory crisis,” the Vatican said. He remains on oxygen therapy though nasal cannulas.
Some blood tests showed “initial, mild, renal insufficiency,” but it was under control, according to the Vatican.
The statement went on to say that Francis remains alert and participated this morning in Holy Mass “with those who are caring for him during these days of hospitalization.”
NBC News’ Medical Unit described the case as “very serious” even as the Vatican shares that his red blood count stabilized. The pope is now battling pneumonia, low blood counts, and his kidneys are also being affected.
On social media platform X early Sunday afternoon local time, Francis expressed gratitude for supportive notes and prayers dedicated to his wellbeing during his time under medical care.
“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” he said. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
The statement followed a post urging followers to “take risks for love.”
“May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world,” he said.
Francis has had a series of medical issues in recent years, including the flu and various respiratory illnesses. In 2021, he underwent surgery to treat a gastrointestinal disease and was back in the operating room two years later to treat a hernia.
The pope’s latest health struggle has been somewhat of a roller coaster as Francis took a turn a few days after the Vatican said he was in stable condition last week. It even said he was showing “slight improvement” in a Wednesday update.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said Wednesday that Francis was awake and alert during her visit to the religious leader.
“We joked as always,” Meloni said. “He has not lost his proverbial sense of humor.”
Francis was first admitted to the hospital for bronchitis treatment, but the Vatican said Monday he had a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract. On Tuesday, officials shared that a CT scan showed Francis had pneumonia in both lungs.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri told reporters Friday that the pope is a “fragile” patient due to his age and prior health issues, and his condition could change by the day.
At the time of the update, Alfieri said Francis was in good spirits and had even left his bed to pray at the hospital chapel. Francis would remain at the hospital for however long it took for him to return to the Vatican in full strength, the doctor said.
