Janice R. Andrews
Pope Francis remains critically ill with double pneumonia but has shown a “slight improvement,” according to a Vatican update on Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff is in his 11th night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, marking his longest hospital stay since becoming pope in 2013.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical nature, show a slight improvement,” the Vatican statement read. The pope continues to receive oxygen, though at a reduced flow, and his mild kidney insufficiency is reportedly “not a cause for concern.”
Despite his illness, Pope Francis resumed work on Monday and made a phone call to a Catholic parish in Gaza. His condition was deemed critical over the weekend, with reports of a prolonged respiratory crisis that required a blood transfusion. However, Monday’s update indicated no further respiratory episodes and some improvement in lab results.
The pope’s prolonged illness has fueled speculation among Catholic cardinals. Some, including New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, suggested he is “probably close to death,” while others, like German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, urged for prayers rather than speculation.
A prayer service for Pope Francis is set to take place in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening, led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Outside Gemelli Hospital, faithful gather in prayer, hoping for the pope’s recovery.
With his past lung complications and recurring infections, Pope Francis’ health remains a global concern as the Catholic Church watches closely.
