Pope Francis's health status continues to worry the faithful as the Vatican has confirmed that he remains in a "critical" condition. However, he has not experienced any new respiratory crises, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Sunday. The pontiff is currently receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and has undergone blood transfusions due to recent health complications.
Additionally, the Vatican noted that Pope Francis has faced "mild" kidney problems but is still "alert and well-oriented." His current hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital began on February 14, after he suffered from several days of breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, he has since been diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
This recent update follows a previous warning from the Vatican indicating that the Pope's condition had worsened due to a respiratory crisis. Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis reached out to Catholics around the globe, urging prayers for his recovery after being unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive week.
Despite these challenges, the Pope managed to participate in Holy Mass alongside medical staff caring for him. Pope Francis's history with respiratory issues makes him particularly vulnerable; he previously contracted pleurisy during his youth and underwent partial lung removal surgery.
As the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been hospitalized multiple times throughout his 12-year papacy, including a bronchitis treatment earlier this year at the same hospital.
