Pope Francis in Critical Condition, Kidney Failure Signs Reported

Vatican Updates on Pope Francis's Health: Early Signs of Kidney Failure

Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, remains in critical condition as Vatican officials confirm that he is battling pneumonia affecting both of his lungs. Doctors are monitoring his health closely, and recent blood tests indicate early signs of kidney failure, though they have been managed effectively so far. Despite his condition, Pope Francis has been receiving high-level medical attention and continues to fight against the pneumonia that has kept him in the hospital for over a week.

On February 24, 2025, CNN reported that the pontiff has not shown additional respiratory complications since the previous evening. Blood tests suggest that his kidneys are showing initial signs of failure, but this issue is currently under control. Pope Francis is still dependent on oxygen to assist his breathing when necessary, but he took part in Mass at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday morning, where he resides in the 10th-floor chapel.

Vatican officials also confirmed that among those in attendance at the service were some of the doctors overseeing his care. The complexity of his medical situation and the importance of waiting for the effects of treatment to take hold necessitate that he be closely monitored in a highly controlled environment.

On Sunday morning, the Pope was provided with a higher level of oxygen support following breathing difficulties and had a restful period afterward. During the Mass, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the medical staff who continue to fight for his recovery. Earlier, on Saturday, the Vatican had announced that due to his pneumonia, the Pope would remain hospitalized and would not lead the Angelus prayer, marking only the third time in nearly 12 years of papacy that he has missed this weekly tradition.

While the Pope's health appeared to improve slightly earlier this week, Vatican officials made it clear that he is still not out of danger. "Is the Pope out of danger? No, both doors are still open," stated Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who has previously operated on the Pope. "Is he at risk of sudden death? No, but treatment needs time to take effect."

Pope Francis, originally from Argentina, has had a history of respiratory issues. In his youth, he contracted a severe case of pneumonia that led to the removal of part of one of his lungs. In 2021, he underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the intestines, and he was hospitalized in 2023 for bronchitis. More recently, he sustained injuries from two accidents, one involving his chin and another his arm.

Despite the ongoing medical challenges, the Pope continues to engage with his work. While in the hospital, he has remained in contact with his staff, even managing some communications with religious leaders in Gaza during the ongoing conflict there. He has also continued to sign decisions from his hospital bed.

Pope Francis's long stay in the hospital is the third longest since his papacy began. Close friends and aides are the only ones permitted to visit him, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paying him a brief visit on Wednesday, during which she noted that the Pope had not lost his usual sense of humor.

Meanwhile, supporters around the world have gathered outside churches in Italy and Argentina, lighting candles and praying for the Pope's swift recovery. "We always keep him in our prayers," said Rodomina Valdez, an Argentine citizen, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires. "But all we can do is keep him in our prayers and offer sacrifices or even penance in any way."