Pope Francis remained in critical condition but attended Mass in the hospital Sunday and has not experienced a recurrence of the “respiratory crisis” that had concerned physicians a day earlier, the Vatican said in a statement.
The pope’s prognosis remained “guarded,” the Vatican said.
Francis, who is being treated at Gemelli hospital for double pneumonia, also had blood tests that revealed mild kidney issues described as under control. The pope also has been receiving high-flow oxygen since experiencing an “asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity” on Saturday.
Blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the pope to receive blood transfusions. He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with “beneficial effects,” and his hemoglobin levels have risen, the Vatican said.
Francis, 88, was hospitalized Feb. 14 after suffering from a bout with bronchitis that saw him struggle to speak and breathe during public appearances for more than a week. He was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection.
“The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented,” the Vatican statement said. “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.”
Pope Francis has ‘respiratory crisis’:Remains in critical condition, Vatican says
Pope expresses solidarity with Urkainians
Francis made some mention of global conflicts in an address published on Sunday. Monday will mark three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Francis called the anniversary “a painful and shameful occasion for all of humanity.” The pope reiterated support for “the martyred Ukrainian people.”
“I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts,” the pope wrote. “And to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan.”
Francis thanks supporters for their prayers
The pope expressed gratitude to medical staff, thanking “the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.” He also expressed appreciation for the many messages of support he has received, particularly noting letters and drawings from children.
“Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received from all over the world!” the pope wrote. “I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me.”
Pope still has sense of humor
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice-director of the Vatican’s health care service, have said they believed the pope would remain hospitalized all this week.Alfieri said the pope was not attached to a ventilator despite struggling with his breathing and keeping his physical movements limited. Alfieri said the pope is sitting upright in a chair, working and joking as usual.
Alfieri said that when one of the doctors greeted the pope by saying “Hello, Holy Father”, he replied with “Hello, Holy Son.”Dr Alfieri expressed confidence that Pope Francis would leave the hospital at some point and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
