Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition Amid Early-Stage Kidney Failure

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

VATICAN CITY (Worthy News) – Pope Francis remains in critical condition at the hospital, with blood tests indicating the 88-year-old pontiff is suffering from early-stage kidney failure, the Vatican suggested in a health update late Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the Vatican released a written message from the pope urging people to pray for him.

The Argentine church leader has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for over a week due to double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Despite the onset of kidney failure, the Vatican stated that the pope remains mentally alert, though his condition remains critical.

However, the Vatican added in a statement seen by Worthy News that the pope “has not experienced any further respiratory crises.”

He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen. The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” the Vatican added.

MANAGING MASS

“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas,” the Vatican explained, adding that Francis “remains alert and well-oriented. The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.”

However, the Vatican said he managed to participate in a Mass with “those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization. ”

Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on 14 February after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened.

In Rome, the face of Francis, the pontiff of more than a billion Catholics, flashed on the television screens in buses, trams, or streetcars amid anxiety among residents.

In St. Peter’s Square, part of Vatican City in the heart of Rome, tourists were seen with people anxiously awaiting news about the pope.

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