Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized on Day Ten for Lung Infection Linked to Kidney Issues

Pope Francis, at 88 years old, is currently resting in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on his tenth day of hospitalization due to a complex lung infection that has resulted in early stages of kidney insufficiency. A recent statement from the Vatican confirmed that the pope had a restful night and is continuing to recuperate.

While it remains unclear if he has had his morning meal, the Vatican noted that Francis is stable for now. He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing a weeklong bout of bronchitis that deteriorated rapidly.

Initially diagnosed with a combination of viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory infections, Francis’ condition worsened to pneumonia affecting both lungs. Late Sunday, his medical team reported that recent blood tests indicated slight kidney insufficiency; however, they assured that the condition is being carefully monitored and remains under control.

As of now, Pope Francis remains in a critical condition, yet he has not faced any additional respiratory crises since Saturday night. During this challenging period, the pope is receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen and underwent two blood transfusions on Sunday to elevate his hemoglobin levels. The prognosis from doctors remains guarded, reflecting concerns given his medical history.

Although Francis has faced health challenges, he displayed alertness and responsiveness on Sunday, even attending Mass. Observations from medical professionals indicate that his overall condition is precarious, primarily due to his age, frail health, and pre-existing lung ailments. The most significant risk, doctors warn, is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.

As of Monday morning, there have been no signs of sepsis developing.

Today marks a milestone for Pope Francis, as it is his tenth day in the hospital, matching the longest previous hospitalization of his papacy. He spent a similar length of time at the same hospital in 2021 after undergoing a procedure to remove part of his colon.

In a somber address from New York on Sunday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan expressed that the Catholic faithful are gathered in spirit “at the bedside of a dying father,” a poignant acknowledgment of the pope’s delicate health. Although church leaders in Rome have not articulated these sentiments publicly, the gravity of Francis’ condition is becoming increasingly apparent.

During his homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dolan remarked, “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death.”

Despite the uncertainty, Dolan shared his hopes for a recovery, stating that he continues to pray for Pope Francis to “bounce back.” The global Christian community watches closely as the Vatican updates the public about the pope’s health status.

The managing of Pope Francis’ care brings together a dedicated medical team at Gemelli Hospital, working tirelessly to address the complex interplay of his health issues. His age and former lung surgery contribute to the challenges of recovery, yet medical staff remain optimistic.

Overall, the next few days are critical for the pope’s recovery. Doctors emphasize the importance of monitoring his condition closely for any signs of improvement or further decline.

As the world awaits further updates on Pope Francis’ health, many are reflecting on his contributions to the Catholic Church and the global community. His leadership and compassion have left a significant impact on countless lives, making his health struggle all the more poignant for believers around the world.

As the Vatican navigates this difficult period, the faith community is united in prayer for the pope. Supporters from various backgrounds express their sentiments of hope for Francis’ recovery while considering his legacy of care and service.

In summary, the coming days hold significant importance for Pope Francis, marking a delicate balance between hope and concern. As he navigates this critical phase of his health journey, the world remains steadfast in its support, praying for his strength and resilience.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.