Pope is resting on 10th day of hospitalisation after early stages of kidney insufficiency detected: Vatican

Doctors have said the Pope’s condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease. They have warned that the main threat facing the Pope is sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.

Pope Francis was resting on Monday (February 24, 2025) morning after a quiet night, on the 10th day of his hospitalisation for a complex lung infection that has provoked the early stages of kidney insufficiency, the Vatican said.

The one-line statement didn’t say if Francis, 88, had woken up. “The night passed well, the pope slept and is resting,” it said.

Late Sunday, doctors reported that blood tests showed “early, slight kidney insufficiency” that was nevertheless under control. They said the Pope remained in critical condition but that he hadn't experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

He was receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen and, on Sunday, was alert, responsive and attended Mass. They said his prognosis was guarded.

Doctors have said the Pope’s condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease. They have warned that the main threat facing the Pope is sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.

To date there has been no reference to any onset of sepsis in the medical updates provided by the Vatican, including on Sunday.

Also read | Pope Francis’ doctor says pontiff isn’t out of danger but that his condition isn’t life-threatening