Pope Francis’ Health: Vatican Issues New Update Amid Concerns

Pope Francis’ health has shown slight improvement, though he remains in critical condition, the Vatican reported in its latest medical update.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalised more than a week ago with respiratory and kidney issues, is no longer experiencing asthmatic respiratory attacks, and some of his lab results have improved, according to an evening bulletin. While doctors initially described a “slight” kidney problem, the Vatican now says it is “not a cause for concern.”

Despite his condition, Pope Francis resumed limited work on Monday, reading and signing documents. He also made a phone call to the parish priest in Gaza “to express his fatherly closeness.” The Vatican confirmed he is receiving oxygen therapy but noted that doctors are still withholding a prognosis.

Encouraging signs emerged as Vatican sources reported that Francis is eating normally, moving, and is not bedridden. He has no fever and no apparent signs of sepsis—an infection that doctors previously identified as the greatest risk to his health.

On Saturday, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope had suffered a respiratory crisis and was in a critical state. However, by Sunday, officials clarified that he had not experienced any further respiratory distress.

Earlier that day, Pope Francis issued a statement asking Catholics to pray for him, after missing the traditional Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. In response, cardinals and clergy gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday evening to lead prayers for his recovery, a ritual they plan to continue daily. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin led the first Rosary prayer.

Pope Francis has long been vulnerable to respiratory infections, having undergone partial lung removal as a young man after suffering from pleurisy. His health has required multiple hospitalizations in recent years, including treatment for bronchitis in March 2023.

A native of Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American and first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.