Pope Francis in Serious Condition

Pope Francis is in critical condition as he battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection, with early signs of kidney failure. But despite his fragile state, the 88-year-old pontiff remains alert, responsive, and even attended Mass, according to the Vatican.

In an update, officials said the pope hadn’t had any more major respiratory crises since Saturday night but is still on high-flow oxygen support. Some blood tests showed mild kidney failure, but doctors believe it's under control.

“The complexity of his condition and the need to wait for treatment to take effect means the prognosis remains uncertain,” his doctors said.

Prayers Pour in from Around the World

As news of his condition spread, prayers flooded in from across the globe—from his home country of Argentina to schoolchildren in Rome and even the seat of Sunni Islam in Cairo.

In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged what many in the Catholic community feared but hadn’t said outright: “As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health and probably close to death.”

Still, he remained hopeful, telling reporters he prayed Francis would “bounce back.”

Doctors say the pope’s condition remains precarious due to his age, existing lung issues, and overall fragility. His deteriorating health has also sparked renewed speculation about what would happen if he became incapacitated—or if he might choose to resign.

A Vatican Mass and a Special Prayer

Francis was originally set to celebrate Mass on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica, but Archbishop Rino Fisichella stepped in to lead the service. From the altar, he offered a special prayer for the pope.

"Even though he is in a hospital bed, we feel Pope Francis close to us," he told the congregation.

A pre-written message from Francis was also shared, in which he reassured the faithful he was “confidently continuing my hospitalisation” and noted that even resting was part of his treatment.

Meanwhile, Argentina lit up its iconic obelisk with the words "Francis, the city prays for you," and in Cairo, Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb sent well wishes, calling Francis his “dear brother.”

The Main Concern: Sepsis

Doctors say the biggest threat to the pope right now is sepsis—a potentially fatal blood infection that can stem from pneumonia. So far, no signs of sepsis have been reported, but medical teams are closely monitoring his condition.

Other complications include a low platelet count, which remained stable on Sunday, and anemia, which required blood transfusions over the weekend. Doctors say his oxygen levels have improved thanks to treatment.

Francis, who has a history of lung disease, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. Tests later revealed a severe lung infection, and he was put on a mix of antibiotics, cortisone, and oxygen therapy.

Preparing for the Inevitable?

Recent decisions by Pope Francis suggest he was well aware of his declining health.

Last year, he updated the funeral rites for popes, simplifying them to emphasize his role as a bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican—something he personally prefers.

In December, he appointed 21 new cardinals under the age of 80, increasing the number of voting cardinals to 140. This move ensures his influence on the next papal election.

And just this month—while already sick—Francis extended the term of the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, a key figure in the transition between popes.

For now, all eyes remain on Gemelli Hospital as the world watches and prays for Pope Francis' recovery.