Pope Francis remains hospitalized for the 10th day as he battles a severe lung infection, with Vatican officials confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff is continuing his therapies and is in stable but fragile condition.
The Holy Father spent a quiet night and was resting well, according to a statement released Monday. Despite his condition, he continues to feed himself and has not required artificial or liquid nutrition.
The Vatican’s No. 2 official, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is set to lead a nighttime Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square later Monday, as Catholics around the world unite in prayer for the pope’s recovery. A medical bulletin is also expected to provide further updates on his condition.
Late Sunday, doctors reported that blood tests revealed early signs of kidney insufficiency, though it remains under control. While Pope Francis is still classified as being in critical condition, there have been no further respiratory crises since Saturday.
However, medical experts caution that his prognosis remains uncertain, given his age, pre-existing lung disease, and overall fragility.
Francis, who has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, continues to receive high-flow supplemental oxygen. On Sunday, he was described as alert and responsive, even attending Mass from his hospital bed.
Despite these positive signs, doctors warn that the primary threat remains sepsis a potentially life-threatening infection of the blood that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. So far, there has been no indication that sepsis has set in.
This hospitalization marks the longest of Francis’ papacy, surpassing his 10-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in 2021, when he underwent surgery to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.
His declining health has reignited speculation about whether he could become incapacitated or even consider resignation, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
Meanwhile, in New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged the severity of Francis’ condition, telling worshippers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral that the Catholic faithful were “at the bedside of a dying father.” However, he later clarified to reporters that he remained hopeful and continued to pray for the pope’s recovery.
As the world watches closely, the Vatican remains firm in its messaging—Pope Francis is fighting, his condition is fragile but stable, and prayers continue to pour in from every corner of the globe.