Pope Francis still in critical condition, had a good night: Vatican

Pope Francis is resting in the hospital after a quiet night, the Vatican said on Monday, marking his 10th day of treatment for a lung infection that has led to early kidney failure.

On Sunday, doctors reported signs of early kidney failure but said it remained under control. While the Pope is still in critical condition, he has not experienced further respiratory distress since Saturday. He continues to receive high levels of supplemental oxygen.

Despite his condition, Francis was alert and responsive on Sunday and even attended Mass from his hospital bed. However, doctors have described his situation as uncertain, given his age, existing lung disease, and overall frailty.

One of the biggest concerns for medical experts is the risk of sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia. However, Vatican medical updates so far have made no mention of sepsis affecting the Pope.

This hospital stay is now the longest of Francis’ papacy, matching his 10-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in 2021, when he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon.

Earlier, the Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis remained in critical condition but had not experienced further respiratory crises since the previous evening. A medical update confirmed that he had received two units of concentrated red blood cells, which helped improve his haemoglobin levels. While his thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) remained stable, some blood tests indicated early signs of mild kidney insufficiency, though doctors said it was under control.