The latest updates on Pope Francis’ health, who has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome since February 14, indicate that his condition remains critical. According to the latest bulletin, “He has not had respiratory crises, but he has been given oxygen with high flows.” The Pope himself expressed confidence in his care, stating, “I carry out care with confidence.”

The positive aspect is that Pope Francis has not experienced further respiratory crises since Saturday evening. However, there is a concern about an initial, mild kidney failure, which, while under control, is not entirely reassuring. This is particularly concerning for an 88-year-old individual who is also dealing with a bilateral lung infection and the associated risk of the infection spreading.

The daily bulletin released last night reiterated that “The conditions of the Holy Father remain critical.” Pope Francis has been hospitalized for ten days, and these are the most delicate hours. The fact that a press release from the Holy See mentioned that “The night passed quietly, the pope rested” has been received with relief, highlighting the general concern even within the Vatican.

Saturday’s situation, already serious, worsened, and the prognosis has become confidential. The complexity of the clinical picture and the expectation that pharmacological therapies will provide feedback have led to this confidentiality. Pope Francis experienced an asthmatic crisis of prolonged duration, necessitating the use of high-flow oxygen through a machine with nasal cannulas to help him breathe. The high-flow oxygen therapy continued, and the Pope did not experience any other similar crises.

The condition known as “platefish,” a drop in blood platelets, which required blood transfusions, remains stable. Bergoglio received two units of concentrated blood, which benefited him and increased his hemoglobin levels. The fact that the pontiff continues to be alert and well-oriented is considered a good sign. However, the delicacy of the situation remains. On Friday evening, doctors explained, “The Holy Father is not yet out of danger, but he is currently not in danger of life.” On Saturday, it was reiterated that “It is not out of danger,” but the immediate danger to life was no longer mentioned.

Yesterday, Pope Francis participated in the Mass celebrated in the apartment on the tenth floor of the hospital, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization. Similar to the previous Sunday, Pope Francis was not able to recite the Angelus in person but had the text spread at noon. He wrote an open letter to the faithful, saying, “In these days, I have received many messages of affection, and I was particularly struck by the letters and drawings of the children. Thanks for this proximity and for the comforting prayers that I have received from all over the world! I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and I ask you to pray for me.”

For my part, I continue the hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic, carrying out the necessary care; and rest also part of the therapy!

Pope Francis

He also thanked the doctors and healthcare workers of the hospital for their attention and dedication.

Three years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Pope Francis has spoken about it every week since then. Even yesterday, despite his condition, he remembered it: “The third anniversary of the war on a large scale against Ukraine: a painful and shameful anniversary for the whole of humanity! While renewing my proximity to the battered Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, in Israel and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan.”

Yesterday, the Holy See released messages through the Pope’s social profile on “X,” taking up the sentences of the Angelus and homily for the jubilee of the deacons read in San Pietro by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who celebrated in the place of Pope Francis: “I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, which transforms evil into good and generates a fraternal world. Don’t be afraid to risk love!”

Last night, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the CEI, chaired the recitation of the Rosary in the Bolognese church of San Domenico in Bologna to “ask the Lord to support the Holy Father in this moment of suffering.” He said, “Many, in friendship, entrusted us with prayer. Numerous certificates of gratitude and esteem that we present to the Lord have come to make Pope Francis strong in faith and to heal him so that may his service for the Church and the whole world.”