Pope’s Condition ‘Remains Critical,’ Vatican Confirms

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ health remains in a critical state. Stay updated on his condition and the Church’s response.

According to a statement from the Vatican on Sunday, Pope Francis is still in “critical” condition but “has not experienced any additional respiratory crises.”

He continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy and has undergone blood transfusions.

He had experienced “mild” kidney issues but “remains alert and well oriented,” according to the statement.

The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

This statement follows the Vatican’s announcement on Saturday that the Pope had faced a respiratory crisis and was in “critical” condition.

Earlier on Sunday, the Pope released a statement requesting Catholics to pray for him after being unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive week.

The Vatican’s statement on Sunday mentioned that in the morning, the Pope “attended Holy Mass alongside those who are caring for him these days.”

The pontiff is especially vulnerable to pneumonia—an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi—because he developed pleurisy as a young man and had part of his lung removed.

During his 12-year tenure, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been hospitalized multiple times, including receiving treatment for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.

Pope Francis, hailing from Argentina, is the first Latin American and Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.