Pope Francis who is battling double pneumonia, remains in a critical condition and his prognosis is still guarded because of the "complexity" of his clinical condition, the Vatican has said.
The Vatican first described his condition as critical yesterday, reporting that Francis had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions that day after a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis".
"The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises," the Vatican said.
Blood tests also indicated a "mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," it said.
"The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for the pharmacological therapies to show some effect, require that the prognosis remains guarded," it said.
The statement described the Pope as "alert and well-oriented" and said he was receiving "high-flow oxygen therapy" through a tube under his nose.
In a written message for his usual Sunday prayer in St Peter's Square, which the pope was unable to read out for a second consecutive week, Francis said he was continuing "confidently" with his treatment in hospital. He thanked his doctors and people who have sent him messages of support.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a senior Vatican official, told participants at a Mass in St Peter's Basilica this morning they should make their prayers for Francis "stronger and more intense".
The Diocese of Rome, which the Pope leads, held a special Mass this evening to pray for Francis, so that he will have "the strength necessary to get through this moment of trial".
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican has described the Pope's infection as "complex", saying it is being caused by two or more microorganisms.
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Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
Near the Vatican this morning, pilgrims were expressing concern for the Pope's condition.
"I am very, very sad," said Elvira Romana, from Italy. "I don't know how you can continue on normally at this moment."
Matteo Licari, from Sardinia, said he was "extremely worried". "Let's hope he can keep living," said Licari. "We are waiting for him to come back here."
Outside Gemelli hospital, groups of people were gathering to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was treated at the facility many times during his long papacy.
People were leaving flowers and notes for Francis, and lighting candles at the base of the late pope's memorial.
I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 23, 2025
The pope normally delivers his Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, finishing by asking the crowds gathered in St Peter's Square below to pray for him, and have a good lunch.
He usually calls for peace and did so again today, marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine tomorrow.
"Tomorrow will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity!" he wrote.
"As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan."
Last Sunday the pontiff also missed his Angelus prayer and the Vatican published a written text instead.
It is believed to be the first time the Pope has missed two consecutive Angelus prayers for health reasons.
After undergoing intestinal surgery in 2021, he led the Angelus just one week later, and skipped one public Sunday prayer in 2023 following another operation.
On Sunday morning, the Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night in Rome's Gemelli hospital where he is being treated for double pneumonia.https://t.co/XM30KqXCxv
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) February 23, 2025
'Respiratory crisis'
In a statement yesterday evening, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff had suffered a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" during the morning that had required the administration of "high-flow oxygen".
"The Holy Father's condition remains critical," the statement said. "The Pope is not out of danger."
It added: "The Holy Father remains alert and has spent the day in a chair, though he is suffering more than yesterday [Friday]. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."
Besides the additional oxygen, the Vatican said he had also needed blood transfusions because tests showed he had a low platelet count, which is associated with anaemia.
A US-based doctor said the Gemelli team was probably using the transfusions to raise the pope's levels of both red blood cells and platelets, which are small cell fragments in the blood that help form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
Dr Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and professor at Boston College, stressed he only knew of the pope's case through the Vatican's public statements.
"It seems it is under control, but his body is showing signs of difficulty to overcome (the) situation," he said.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
The Vatican has described the pope's infection as "complex," saying it is being caused by two or more micro-organisms.
In a briefing on Friday, two of his doctors said the pope was highly vulnerable due to his age and frailty.
Dr Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of the Gemelli staff, said there was a risk the lung infection could spread to his bloodstream and develop into sepsis, which "could be very difficult to overcome".
Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
A group of nuns and priests from around the world gathered outside the hospital entrance to pray for the pope yesterday.
They also sang as they stood around the statue of former pope John Paul II, where well-wishers have left candles bearing Francis's picture.
"We are praying today for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and our hope is that he will recover well in the Grace of God," Brazilian priest Don Wellison said.
Pope Francis has said the papacy is a job for life, but has also left the door open to resigning like his predecessor Benedict XVI.
The German in 2013 became the first pope since the Middle Ages to voluntarily step down, citing his ailing physical and mental health.
Pope Francis had repeatedly said it was not yet the time to quit - but his illness has raised fresh questions about his ability lead the world's almost 1.4 billion Catholics.
The pope maintains a punishing work schedule, and in September made a 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific.
Prayers at Knock Basilica
Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine Fr Richard Gibbons offered prayers for Pope Francis at midday mass in Knock Basilica.
Fr Gibbons said: "Our thoughts and especially our prayers are with Pope Francis today, because we know from what we read in the papers and what is reported that he's in a very serious condition.
"Our prayers are very much for Pope Francis, for a swift recovery and for good health, and for his doctors and all who care for him."
Pope Francis visited Knock Shrine during the World Meeting of Families in Ireland in 2018 where he was welcomed by 40,000 people who gathered for the occasion.
Fr Gibbons said Pope Francis has a special connection with Knock Shrine.
"He visited Knock Shrine in 2018. It was a wonderful occasion. He enjoyed it. He seemed very relaxed when he was here. We loved having him.
"He conducted a moment of silent prayer in the Apparition Chapel, which extended outside of 40,000 people who were very, very quiet at that time.
"As well as that, he elevated the Shrine to International Status in 2022. We have a very particular affinity for Pope Francis, as does everybody," he added.
Additional reporting Shane Ó Curraighín
