Pope Francis has shown slight improvement despite remaining in critical condition, according to a Vatican update on Monday.
His mild kidney concerns, first mentioned on Sunday, are under control and not a cause for alarm.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, although critical, show a slight improvement. Even today there were no episodes of asthmatic respiratory crises; some laboratory tests have improved,” the statement read.
The Vatican further noted that while Francis continues to receive oxygen therapy, the flow and percentage have been slightly reduced.
“The doctors, considering the complexity of the clinical picture, prudentially do not yet release the prognosis,” the Vatican said of the 88-year-old pope, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis remains active. Vatican sources confirmed he is not bedridden, can move, and continues to eat normally.
On Monday, he received the Eucharist and resumed work in the afternoon. That evening, he made a call to the Parish Priest of Gaza, continuing his frequent communication since Israel imposed a siege on the enclave following the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.
Francis was admitted to a Rome clinic ten days ago for tests related to a respiratory tract infection, later diagnosed as pneumonia.
His health struggles have prompted global prayer gatherings, with worshippers and religious leaders expressing deep concern.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Francis previously served as archbishop, people gathered in Plaza Constitución on Monday to pray for his recovery, many visibly emotional and holding images of the pontiff.
His cousin, Carla Rabezzana, 93, residing in Portacomaro, Italy, voiced the family’s distress, “We are all worried sick. We hope he will recover quickly and get over this bad moment. I follow everything from the news, I am very agitated,” she told RAI.
The Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, addressed Francis’ health during Sunday Mass in Manhattan, stating the pope is “in very, very fragile health and probably close to death.”
However, the Vatican described him as “awake” and “in good humour” after a stable night on Monday. Over the weekend, he received high-flow oxygen to alleviate respiratory distress but missed his weekly Angelus prayer for only the third time in nearly 12 years as pope.
Concerns over his kidneys arose on Sunday when Vatican officials noted “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control.” Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt of Orlando Health Medical Group reassured that while the condition remains serious, it is not necessarily alarming.
“I don’t think it’s anything significant per se, but we can tell his condition is still quite critical,” Brahmbhatt told CNN. “The kidneys itself are very delicate organs but they’re also very resilient.”
He explained that infections in elderly patients can escalate quickly, potentially leading to sepsis, which can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys.
“In Pope Francis’ case, that’s showing up as mild renal failure. Kidney damage can be temporary and improve with treatment, or it can be permanent,” Brahmbhatt added.
Despite his condition, Francis participated in Holy Mass from his hospital apartment on Sunday morning, joined by medical staff. His sermon, prepared in advance, expressed gratitude to his caregivers.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis has been prone to respiratory issues. As a young man, he suffered severe pneumonia, leading to the removal of part of his lung.
More recently, he underwent colon surgery in 2021, was hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023, and experienced two falls resulting in injuries to his chin and arm.
Doctors have advised him to rest completely, yet he has continued working from the hospital.
Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, noted Francis has been signing off on decisions during his stay, with only his closest associates allowed to visit.
Among his few visitors was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who spent 20 minutes with him on Wednesday. “We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor,” she later stated.
Across Rome and at St. Peter’s Basilica, Masses were held in his honour on Sunday, with people gathering outside Gemelli hospital to leave balloons, candles, and flowers in front of a statue of Pope John Paul II.
Expressions of support have also come from religious leaders worldwide. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb, who shares a strong bond with Francis, offered prayers for his recovery.
“I pray to God to grant my dear brother Pope Francis a swift recovery and to bless him with health and well-being so that he continues his journey in serving humanity,” El-Tayeb said.
