Pope Francis remained in critical condition on Sunday, with medical evaluations revealing early indications of renal insufficiency. However, he was reported to be conscious and “well-oriented,” actively engaging in Mass, as stated by Vatican officials. The 88-year-old pontiff is currently battling pneumonia and a severe lung infection. The Vatican’s evening bulletin indicated that there were no new respiratory complications since Saturday night, although he continued to require significant oxygen support. Medical assessments identified “initial, mild, kidney failure,” which the doctors deemed manageable. Additionally, the previously noted decrease in platelet count, crucial for blood clotting, showed no change since its detection on Saturday. The medical team emphasized that the complexity of the clinical situation and the necessity to monitor the effects of drug therapies necessitate a cautious prognosis.
A prepared statement meant for Pope Francis to deliver on Sunday, which ultimately went unspoken, conveyed his ongoing commitment to his treatment at Gemelli Hospital, emphasizing the importance of both medical care and rest as integral components of his recovery. The message called for prayers and reflected on the somber anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, describing it as a “painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity.” In Argentina, where Francis hails from, devoted Catholics gathered at the Buenos Aires cathedral to offer their prayers, while in Cairo, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar and a close ally of the Pope, shared his sentiments via a Facebook post. Additionally, schoolchildren from Rome sent a multitude of get-well cards to the Gemelli Hospital, and Italian bishops organized rosary prayers and special Masses across the country.
