POPE FEARS
Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition with ‘mild kidney failure’ but is ‘alert and well-oriented’
The Pope had part of his lung removed as a young man
POPE Francis remains in critical condition with "mild kidney failure" but is "alert and well-oriented" as the 88-year-old battles double pneumonia.
In the latest update, the Vatican said Francis hadn't had any more respiratory crises since Saturday night but was still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen.
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He was admitted on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties, later being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Various blood tests showed initial, mild, kidney failure, but doctors confirmed that it was under control, adding that the deceased platelet count that was first found on Saturday was also stable.
The complexity of the clinical picture, and the wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback, dictate that the prognosis remains reserved, the doctors added.
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.
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The Holy Year organiser, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, celebrated the Mass in his place and offered a special prayer for Francis from the altar.
The Vatican sent an update earlier this morning, saying Francis had spent a "tranquil" ninth night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital and added that the Pope had a message from his hospital bed.
In a heartfelt note, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers he has received.
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” he said from his hospital bed on Sunday.
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“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”
Francis added that he had been particularly touched by the drawings and letters from children, thanking the faithful for their prayers and offering to entrust everyone to Mary’s intercession.
He said: "In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.
"Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
Earlier on Sunday, the Vatican said: "The night was tranquil, the pope rested."
The Pope was also said to be eating normally.
However, he is still receiving high-flow oxygen after his prolonged respiratory crisis on Saturday night, which required intensive care.
On Saturday night, the Vatican had confirmed his condition was critical following a prolonged respiratory crisis that forced doctors to administer high-flow oxygen therapy.
Tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count linked to anaemia.
Doctors have given a “reserved” prognosis, indicating the situation remains touch-and-go.
On Sunday, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope would again not lead the traditional Angelus prayer, which he has missed for the second consecutive week.
Instead, the Pontiff had prepared words to be read at the service, urging continued prayer and expressing his trust in the healing process.
Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years.
He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
The Pope’s frail health has fueled speculation over a possible resignation—something the Vatican has firmly denied.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, dismissed rumours in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
He said: “Speculation seems useless when what really matters is the health of Francis, his recovery, and return to the Vatican.”
Although Pope Francis previously stated he had signed a preemptive resignation letter in case of medical incapacity, the Vatican insists he remains “fully conscious, alert, eating, and working.”
Doctors have warned that sepsis - a life-threatening blood infection - poses the greatest risk. As of Friday, there was no sign of it, and the Pope was responding to treatment.
Francis has a history of chronic lung disease, having had part of one lung removed as a young man due to pleurisy.
His winter bouts of bronchitis have worsened in recent years, making him particularly vulnerable.
The Pope’s illness coincides with the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations, a rare, once-in-25-years event.
Francis had planned to lead a weekend celebration for deacons, but Vatican organisers stepped in to preside over Sunday’s Mass in his absence.
For the second consecutive weekend, the Pope is skipping his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.
While he could have delivered it remotely, the Vatican confirmed he was not well enough.
Despite his absence, the Catholic faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square expressed their support.
Luis Arnaldo López Quirindongo, a deacon from Puerto Rico, said: “Even though he’s not physically here, we know he’s here.
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"He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts.”
As the Pope continues his battle, the world holds its breath, praying for his recovery while awaiting further updates from the Vatican.
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How will the next Pope be chosen?
By Patrick Harrington, foreign news reporter
If the Pope dies his passing must first be confirmed by the Chamberlain of the Catholic church - in the presence of the Papal Master of Ceremonies and other officials.
The Chamberlain then informs the cardinal vicar for Rome, who passes the news onto the city and the world.
After nine days of mourning, during which time the Pope is buried, the task of choosing a new leader arises.
All 252 cardinals will be summoned to Rome from around the world for the Papal election, called Conclave.
The new Pope is decided by a vote, which can be participated in by up to 115 cardinals.
The number is whittled down by excluding any cardinals over 80.
There are secret discussions between the cardinals about who would be a good successor.
Then voting begins in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel - and continues until a consensus is reached.
However, if there is still no consensus after 12 days, then a new Pope can be appointed with more than 50 per cent of the votes.
Locals are kept updated on the process by twice-daily plumes of smoke coming from the chapel.
Black smoke means the vote is still being deliberated, and when white smoke appears it means a decision has been reached.
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