The Pope was in serious health and had a “initial, mild” renal ailment, according to the Vatican on Sunday. Despite this, the pope remained “vigilant” and attended Mass in the hospital with his caregivers.
He was described as “vigilant and well-oriented” in the statement made Sunday night, but the prognosis was “reserved” because of the intricacy of his illness.
The 88-year-old Pope has been receiving treatment for chronic bronchitis and double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14.
He has a history of respiratory issues; as a young man, pleurisy caused him to lose a portion of one of his lungs. In 2023, he also suffered from acute pneumonia.
The Pope requested people to pray for him in a telegram that was made public by the Vatican yesterday. It was his first statement from his hospital bed.
The note read: “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 continued: “In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.”
“I appreciate our relationship and the consoling prayers I’ve gotten from people all across the world! Please pray for me, and I submit you all to Mary’s intercession.
It is believed that the message was composed during the previous several days.
Following a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that necessitated a high flow of oxygen, the Vatican stated on Saturday that the pope was in critical condition.
It stated that after testing showed thrombocytopenia, which is linked to anemia, he had received blood transfusions.
He was “not out of danger” and will likely be in the hospital for at least another week, according to doctors’ statements on Friday.
His deteriorating health has worried millions of people worldwide, and his illness has sparked rumors that he would quit. The Vatican has not responded to these rumors.
