Pope Francis’s health remains in a critical state on his tenth day in the hospital, the Vatican confirmed on Sunday, as Catholics worldwide continue to pray for the 88-year-old pontiff’s recovery.
Despite his condition, the Vatican noted that the pope has not experienced another respiratory attack since Saturday evening. However, officials declined to provide a prognosis.
According to the latest medical update, Pope Francis remains alert and is receiving “high-flow oxygen” via a nasal cannula to assist his breathing.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical; however, since yesterday evening he has not presented any further respiratory crises,” the statement read.
Medical reports also indicate that Francis received two units of concentrated red blood cells, and his thrombocytopenia—a condition marked by a low platelet count—has remained stable.
While this condition can lead to difficulty in stopping bleeding, the Vatican assured that his levels have not worsened.
However, doctors observed early signs of mild renal failure, which is currently being monitored and controlled.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the need to wait for the pharmacological treatments to have some feedback, mean that the prognosis remains reserved,” the Vatican’s statement added.
Despite his fragile health, Pope Francis participated in mass on Sunday morning from his papal suite on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, joined by members of his medical team.
The pope was admitted on February 14 with an initial diagnosis of bronchitis, which later progressed to double pneumonia.
His condition worsened on Saturday when he suffered a prolonged respiratory attack.
