Pope Francis experienced a bit of improvement on Monday, according to what the Vatican announced, though they still described his condition as critical.
Later that day, the 88-year-old pope managed to engage in some light duties while being treated at a hospital in Rome. He has been receiving care there for ten days now, battling pneumonia, a chest infection, and a mild problem with his kidneys.
These combined issues had left him in a very delicate state, as the Vatican revealed in its update. The statement from the Vatican mentioned that the kidney-related concern was minor and did not raise alarms among doctors. The oxygen support was still ongoing but had been reduced slightly.
Treatment and Observations
Some of his blood tests were showing better results. The severe breathing crisis that happened on Saturday had not repeated itself, they also confirmed.
Doctors were still not giving a definite forecast about his recovery. They were being cautious with their public comments due to the “complexity” of his medical condition.
That night, the Vatican gathered all cardinals currently living in Rome at St. Peter’s Square to pray the rosary for Pope Francis at 9 p.m. The prayer session was expected to be led by the Vatican’s secretary of state, Pietro Parolin.
The Pope’s Night and Spiritual Outreach
Earlier in the day, officials said the pope had rested well the previous night. He remained awake, alert, and mentally clear, and doctors noted that his anemia had gotten better because of blood transfusions.
The Vatican also shared that Pope Francis had made a call to the priest of the Gaza parish to show his support, after watching a video from the community.
In past years, Francis has dealt with many health problems. As a younger man, he had surgery to remove part of a lung. But this hospital stay has been his longest one for any infection involving the lungs.
Health Risks for the Elderly
Sergio Alfieri, a surgeon who is part of the pope’s medical care team, shared on Friday that the pope had spoken openly about his condition. According to the surgeon, Francis acknowledged his vulnerability and said he understood both possible outcomes of his illness.
When someone elderly is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, the situation is already dangerous. The American Thoracic Society says that for older patients, pneumonia is more deadly than any other reason they might be hospitalized.
Peter Chin-Hong, a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases at the University of California, San Francisco, explained that pneumonia in elderly patients often leads to problems with the kidneys.
This can happen because the illness puts strain on the body’s immune system and may lower blood pressure or oxygen levels. Certain antibiotics used in treatment can also affect kidney function.
He added that once kidney failure sets in, chances of recovery are much lower. According to a new study, more than one-third of elderly patients with pneumonia ended up with kidney failure, and over half of them died. That outcome was worse compared to those who did not experience kidney issues during their hospital stay.
Prayers and Global Support
While preaching at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on Sunday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said Pope Francis was in very poor condition and likely nearing the end of his life. He asked members of the church to offer prayers for the pope’s well-being.
Support for Francis has been strong across many parts of the globe. Vigils and prayer sessions have taken place near the Roman hospital where he is staying in a special apartment meant for popes.
Similar gatherings have also happened in South Korea, his home country Argentina, and other locations, with millions praying for his recovery.
