Pope Francis is in good spirits, eating normally, and continuing to receive treatment, according to Vatican sources.
Earlier on Monday morning, the Vatican issued a brief statement stating that the pontiff was “resting” in the hospital and that the night “went well”.
Updates on his health follow a statement on Sunday in which the Vatican reported that Francis was in a critical condition with an “initial, mild” kidney problem.
It was mentioned that he was “vigilant and well-oriented”, and participated in mass in the hospital with his caregivers, but due to the complexity of his condition, the prognosis was described as “reserved”.
The Pope, who is 88, has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
He has a history of respiratory illness, having had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy in his youth and experiencing an acute case of pneumonia in 2023.
Today marks the 11th day of Francis’s hospital stay at Gemelli, which is now the longest of his papacy. In 2021, he spent 10 days at the same hospital after having 33cm (13ins) of his colon removed.
According to Italian media reports, Father Nunzio Corrao, the hospital chaplain, stated that the time has come “to hope against hope” for the Pope.
The Vatican announced that its secretary of state, Pietro Parolin, will lead a mass in St Peter’s Square this evening at 9pm local time (8pm UK time) to pray for him and others in the hospital.
A mass to pray for Pope Francis is being held in St Peter’s Square in Rome tonight. Pic: AP
This follows the release of a message from the Pope on Sunday – his first from his hospital bed – in which he requested prayers from the public.
In his message, he stated: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital, receiving the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!”
He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of affection and prayers from around the world, particularly highlighting the letters and drawings from children.
“Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received worldwide! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me,” he added.
The message is believed to have been written in the past few days.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that the pontiff was in a critical condition following a “prolonged respiratory crisis” necessitating a high flow of oxygen.
He received blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with anemia.
Doctors had emphasized on Friday that he was “not out of danger” and was expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week.
They cautioned that the primary threat he faced was sepsis, which could arise as a complication of pneumonia and lead to organ failure and death.
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Monday marks Pope Francis’s 10th day at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Pic: AP
Millions worldwide have expressed concern about Francis’s declining health.
His condition has sparked speculation about a possible resignation, which the Vatican has not addressed.
In New York on Sunday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan stated that the Catholic faithful were united “at the bedside of a dying father”.
“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” he said in his homily at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
He later told reporters that he hoped and prayed for Francis’s recovery.