The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis spent a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia.
A brief statement released by the Holy See Press Office on Monday morning indicated that “the night passed well; the Pope slept and is resting.”
Despite some signs of stability, concerns persist over the Pope’s health, particularly following Sunday’s medical reports indicating early-stage renal insufficiency. The Vatican clarified that the condition remains under control but noted that he is still on high-flow oxygen therapy. Additionally, Pope Francis underwent blood transfusions to counteract low hemoglobin levels.
Doctors have reiterated that while his condition remains critical, he has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday morning. The primary medical concern at this stage is sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia. However, the Vatican has stated that there are currently no indications of sepsis.
On Sunday morning, Pope Francis attended Mass in his hospital apartment, accompanied by medical staff overseeing his care. His ability to participate in religious services suggests a degree of responsiveness and alertness despite his fragile state.
While Vatican officials have remained measured in their updates, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York made headlines on Sunday with a statement suggesting that the Pope’s condition may be more serious than publicly acknowledged.
“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” Dolan remarked during Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, though he later expressed hope that the Pope would recover.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pope Francis’ health has renewed speculation about potential scenarios should his condition deteriorate further. Discussions have resurfaced about whether he might consider resigning—a step that would follow the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2013.
Monday marks the 10th day of Pope Francis’ hospitalization, making it the longest medical stay of his pontificate, equal to his 10-day recovery period following intestinal surgery in 2021.
As the Vatican continues to monitor his condition closely, the Catholic faithful worldwide remain in prayer, hoping for his recovery while bracing for any further developments regarding the future of his papacy.
