Pope Francis Experiencing Mild Kidney Failure, Says Vatican

Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is still in critical condition with blood tests showing mild signs of kidney failure.

The Vatican noted on Sunday that though the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both his lungs, the matter “is currently under control.”

It added that Pope Francis, who was hospitalised over a week ago, has not shown further respiratory crises since Saturday evening.

Some of his blood tests indicated “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope continues to be “vigilant and well oriented.”

Francis, who is from Argentina, has a vulnerability to respiratory infections. As a young man, he suffered a severe bout of pneumonia that led to the removal of part of one lung.

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In 2021, doctors also surgically removed part of his colon in relation to diverticulitis, which can cause inflammation or infection of the colon.

He was hospitalised with bronchitis in 2023, and in recent months he has had two falls where he bruised his chin and hurt his arm, which was put into a sling.

This is the second-longest time Pope Francis has spent in hospital since his election as Pope and on Monday will break the record.

Francis, who is still receiving oxygen, took part in the Holy Mass from the apartment set up on the 10th floor of Gemelli hospital on Sunday morning, according to the statement.

Those taking care of him during his hospitalisation also took part.

“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback, require that the prognosis remain reserved,” the Vatican said.

The Pope said his treatment continues and thanked medical staff for their dedication in the text of Sunday’s sermon, which was sent to the press in advance.

The pope’s condition had seemed better earlier in the week, with the Vatican describing him as responding “positively” to medical treatment for pneumonia on Thursday.

The pontiff was admitted to a clinic in Rome on February 14, and initially underwent tests for a respiratory tract infection. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs after a later CT scan.