Pope Francis in ‘Critical Condition’ with Early Kidney Failure
The Vatican’s Office of the Holy See shared an update about Pope Francis, 88, who is presently at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for complications from double pneumonia.
The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises. He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen.
The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas. The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented.
The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.
This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.
Commenting on rumors of Francis resiging over the latest health scare, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin offered “All of this seems to me to be unfounded speculation. Right now, our focus is on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican—these are the only things that matter.”
Francis entered the hospital on February 14, where he has been for the last 10 days.
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