Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has shown signs of health improvement, as reported by the Vatican. After being admitted to the hospital over a week ago due to respiratory and kidney complications, the latest medical bulletin stated that while the Pope's condition remains critical, it is no longer a cause for alarm.
On Sunday, the Vatican indicated that a "slight" kidney issue had emerged but reassured the public that there was no immediate risk. Notably, no additional respiratory crises have occurred since his initial hospitalization. The pontiff has resumed some of his official duties, including a heartfelt call to the Priest of the Parish of Gaza to express his support and closeness.
In the latest update, the Vatican confirmed that some laboratory tests have shown improvement, an encouraging sign for the pontiff's recovery. He continues to receive oxygen therapy as doctors remain cautious about disclosing a prognosis.
The Pope’s health scare has prompted prayers from Catholics around the world. Unable to deliver the customary Angelus prayer for the past two weeks, he asked the faithful to pray for his health. In response, cardinals in Rome have been gathering nightly outside St. Peter's Basilica to lead prayers, joined by members of the Vatican curia and local clergy. Tonight's prayer will be led by Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
Pope Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having fought pleurisy in his youth, which led to a partial lung removal. His health has been fragile throughout his 12-year papacy, with previous hospitalizations, including treatment for bronchitis in March 2023. Hailing from Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, and his leadership continues to inspire a global community amidst ongoing health concerns.
