Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition, Shows Early Signs of Kidney Failure
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, with blood tests showing early signs of mild kidney failure, but he remains alert and "well-oriented," according to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
In a late update, the Vatican announced that Francis had not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday night, but he is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen. Some blood tests showed "initial, mild, kidney failure," but doctors said it was under control. The decreased platelet count, necessary for clotting, that was first detected on Saturday was stable.
The complexity of the clinical picture and the need to wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback dictate that the prognosis remains reserved.
Prayers for the Pope poured in from around the world, from his native Argentina to the seat of Sunni Islam in Cairo to schoolchildren in Rome.
Catholics Worldwide Praying for the Pope Amid Health Issues
In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan admitted that church leaders in Rome were not publicly stating what he believed was true: that the Catholic faithful were united "at the bedside of a dying father." "As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death," Dolan said at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, without saying if he had independent information about the pope’s condition.
Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung disease. His condition has revived speculation about what might happen if he becomes unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, and whether he might resign.
Prayers for Pope at Vatican
Francis was supposed to have celebrated Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter’s Basilica and ordained deacons as part of the Vatican’s yearlong Holy Year commemoration. The organizer of the Holy Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, celebrated the Mass in his place and offered a special prayer for Francis from the altar before delivering the homily the pope had prepared.
Get Breaking News
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
The Main Threat Facing the Pope is Sepsis
Doctors have warned that the main threat facing Francis is sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. As of Friday, there was no evidence of any sepsis, and Francis was responding to the various drugs he is taking, the pope’s medical team said in their first in-depth update on the pope’s condition.
Francis’ Recent Reforms Suggest He Knew He Was Getting Older and More Fragile
Francis has taken several recent decisions that suggest he was well aware that he was getting old and frail. Last year, he revised the funeral rites that will be used after he dies, simplifying the rituals to emphasize his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican in keeping with his wishes.
Conclusion
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, showing early signs of mild kidney failure, but remains alert and "well-oriented." The Vatican has announced that he is still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen and that his condition remains reserved.
FAQs
- What is the main threat facing Pope Francis?
The main threat facing Pope Francis is sepsis, a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia. - What is the current state of Pope Francis’ health?
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, with blood tests showing early signs of mild kidney failure, but he remains alert and "well-oriented." - What are the chances of Pope Francis recovering from his illness?
The prognosis remains reserved, as the complexity of the clinical picture and the need to wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback dictate that the prognosis is uncertain.
About The Author
