CNA Staff, 23 February, 2025 / 11:10 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis’ condition “remains critical,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement issued Sunday evening Rome time. However, it said, he experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday.
The statement also said the Holy Father “continues to be alert and well oriented” and is still receiving oxygen therapy “at high flows” through his nose. Since his situation is “complex,” the statement said, the pope’s prognosis “remains reserved.”
His blood platelet count remained stable, the statement continued, but some blood tests showed “initial, mild, renal [kidney] failure” that was presently under control.
This morning the pope participated in Mass together with those caring for him at his 10th floor apartment set up at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the statement said.
Also on Sunday, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the cardinal vicar of the Diocese of Rome, celebrated a Mass for Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The faithful prayed that the Lord would sustain the pope with his grace and fill him with strength to face his health crisis.
