Pope Francis, in critical condition, had a ‘good’ night in hospital, Vatican says

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, in critical condition battling double pneumonia, had a “good” night in hospital, slept and is resting, the Vatican said on Monday.

The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 after having trouble breathing for several days, and subsequently had pneumonia diagnosed in both lungs.

The Vatican described his condition as critical for a second day on Sunday and that he had an “initial, slight insufficiency” in his kidney function that day.

The prognosis for the pope, who required a transfusion of two units of blood on Saturday after experiencing a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,” remains “guarded,” according to the latest medical update.

“It was a good night, the pope slept and is resting,” the Vatican said in a one-sentence update on Monday morning that did not provide further information.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican has described the pope’s infection as “complex,” and that it was caused by two or more microorganisms.

Francis, who has been pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health over 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. 

PILGRIMS PRAY FOR POPE
Near the Vatican, pilgrims expressed concern for the pope.

“I am very, very sad,” said Elvira Romana, from Italy. “I don’t know how you can continue normally at this moment.”

Matteo Licari, from Sardinia, said he was “extremely worried.” “Let’s hope he can keep living,” said Mr. Licari. “We are waiting for him to come back here.”

Outside Gemelli hospital, people gathered to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was treated at the facility many times during his long papacy.

People left flowers and notes for Pope Francis, and lit candles at the base of the late pope’s memorial.

In a written message for his usual Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square, which the pope was unable to read out for a second consecutive week, Francis said he was continuing “confidently” with his treatment in hospital. He thanked his doctors and people who have sent him messages of support.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a senior Vatican official, told participants at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday morning they should make their prayers for Francis “stronger and more intense.”

The Diocese of Rome, which the pope leads, held a special Mass on Sunday evening to pray for Francis, so that he will have “the strength necessary to get through this moment of trial.” — Reuters