Pope Francis remained hospitalized Monday, resting after a quiet night on his 10th day battling a severe lung infection that has triggered early kidney failure, the Vatican reported. Doctors warn the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition is precarious, with his age and pre-existing lung issues heightening risks as the Catholic faithful pray for his recovery.
At a glance:
- Pope Francis, 88, is in critical condition with a lung infection and early kidney failure.
- Vatican says he slept well Monday; no respiratory crises since Saturday.
- Doctors highlight sepsis as a major threat, though no signs reported yet.
- Cardinal Timothy Dolan called him “close to death,” yet hopes for a rebound.
Pope’s Condition Hangs in Balance
The Vatican issued a brief update Monday, stating, “The night passed well, the Pope slept and is resting,” marking his 10th day at Rome’s Gemelli hospital—the longest stay tied with his 2021 colon surgery. Late Sunday, doctors revealed blood tests showed early kidney failure, under control for now, alongside a complex lung infection. High flows of supplemental oxygen keep him stable, and on Sunday, he was alert, responsive, and attended Mass. Despite this, his prognosis remains guarded, with physicians noting his fragility, age, and chronic lung disease make it “touch-and-go.” They’ve flagged sepsis—a deadly blood infection tied to pneumonia—as the primary danger, though no Vatican statement has confirmed its presence.
This hospitalization, equal to his 2021 10-day stint after losing 13 inches of colon, has reignited talk of what happens if Francis becomes incapacitated or resigns. Doctors underscore the stakes: his pre-existing conditions amplify every complication. In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan spoke bluntly Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, saying, “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” though he told reporters afterward he’s praying Francis “bounce[s] back.” The faithful, united in concern, watch a leader whose health teeters on the edge.
Church Faces Uncertainty
Francis’ struggle has the Vatican on edge, with no mention of sepsis yet—a relief amid the grim outlook. Sunday’s update showed no new breathing emergencies since Saturday, a small win after days of critical care. Dolan’s homily laid bare what Rome won’t: the Pope’s nearness to the end, stirring speculation about succession or incapacity protocols. Yet his alertness Sunday, celebrating Mass despite oxygen support, offers a glimmer of resilience. For a church eyeing stability, this 10-day ordeal tests faith and readiness as Francis fights a battle his doctors call unpredictable.
