Pope Francis’ Health Update and Messages of Support

The health of Pope Francis, currently in his tenth day of hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, remains a cause for concern. The latest medical bulletin, released on the evening of February 23, 2025, disclosed that the pontiff has developed “an initial, mild, renal failure, at the state under control.”

Despite these challenges, it is noted that Francis “did not present further respiratory crises” since the previous night. The medical team emphasized that the blood transfusions administered yesterday, totaling “two units of concentrated blood,” were beneficial. These transfusions helped elevate the patient’s hemoglobin levels. However, the “plateletopenia,” a deficiency of platelets in the blood, remained stable. The Pope continues to receive “oxygen therapy with high flows through nasal cannulas.”

As the #vanlodioggi suggests, to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, which transforms evil into good and generates a fraternal world
Pope Francis.

Despite the “complexity of the clinical picture,” the bulletin reported that the Pope remains “alert and well-oriented.” He has been communicating freely and is emotionally engaged, offering prayers and encouragement to others. The Vatican described his overall mental state to be excellent.

“We are all very worried,” Carla Rabezzana said in an interview about his health status. Rabezzana, the Italian cousin of the Pope, said he was being very watched and kept close if the Pope would need emergency respiratory and renal treatment.

Mirroring the public health concerns, Pope Francis used his Angelus message, prepared in writing, to express gratitude to the medical staff of the Gemelli Polyclinic. “I continue confidently the hospitalization to the Gemelli Polyclinic, carrying out the necessary care; and even rest is part of the therapy… Thanks for this closeness and for the comfort prayers I have received from all over the world,” stated Francis

Separately on his messages on social media, he wrote, “In these days, I have received many messages of affection and the letters and designs of the children particularly struck me. Thanks for this closeness and for the comfort prayers I have received from all over the world.

The pontiff used this opportunity to address concerns about his health, mentioning that “I govern myself with my head, not with my knee.” Since the start of his papacy, he has maintained that he would step down if a debilitating medical condition impaired his abilities to govern the Catholic Church. His statement in a December 2022 interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC states: “I signed the renunciation and said to him… in case of medical impediment or I know, here is my renunciation. You have it.”

“The announcement of forgiveness is an essential task of the deacon. It is in fact an indispensable element for every ecclesial path and condition for every human coexistence.”
Pope Francis

Propelling pastoral concerns, Francis, from his hospital bed, made a renewed plea for peace on several global hotspots. Among these regions are Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan. He emphasized, “A painful and shameful anniversary for the whole of humanity!” in the context of Ukraine’s third anniversary of the conflict.

While Pope Francis’ health remains under watchful eyes, Archbishop Rino Fisichella presided over the Mass in the Vatican Basilica for the Jubilee of the Deacons. Cardinal Fisichella emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, echoing the Pope’s message. The celebratory Mass included the ordination of 23 new deacons.

“God assists the Pope in this moment of trial.” Archbishop Rino Fisichella

In summary, Pope Francis’ health status remains stable but guarded, with a developing but under control renal issue. His unwavering spirit, reflected in his religious and public addresses, continues to inspire Catholics worldwide and remain actively engaged in pastoring.