The Pope remains in a critical condition and is now showing an “initial, mild” kidney insufficiency – but is “vigilant” and took part in Mass in hospital with those caring for him.
The Vatican statement this evening said Francis hadn’t had any more “respiratory crises” since Saturday night.
However, a problem with his kidneys has emerged, with blood tests showing “an initial, mild, renal insufficiency, which is currently under control”, according to the update.
The 88-year-old Pope is still having “high-flow oxygen therapy” into his nose, while his hemoglobin value has increased after being given blood transfusions yesterday.
The Pope has been at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since 14 February and is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
Sunday evening’s statement said he was “vigilant and well oriented”, but due to the complexity of his case the prognosis is “reserved”.
“During the morning, in the apartment set up on the 10th floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who are taking care of him during these days of hospitalization,” the update added.
On Sunday morning, another update from the Vatican said the Pope had had a “tranquil” night and confirmed he would not lead Sunday prayers for the second week running.
Instead, Francis, who has been head of the Catholic Church since 2013, prepared words to be read at the recitation of Sunday’s Angelus, and asked people to pray for him.
“I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!” the Pope said in his message.
“I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick,” added the message – written in the last few days according to Vatican sources.
“In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the Pope said.
“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
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On Saturday night, the Vatican said the Pope was in a critical condition after a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen.
It said he’d also had blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia, which is associated with anaemia.
Millions around the world have been concerned about his increasingly frail health – and his condition has given rise to speculation over a possible resignation, which the Vatican has not commented on.
By Lisa Holland, Sky correspondent in Vatican City
It’s hard to imagine a Sunday in the Vatican City without the Pope. Every week – unless he’s travelling – he is a constant, appearing at the same Vatican windows to deliver his message.
Instead, his written words were distributed by Vatican officials. In his message, the Pope thanked his doctors and people around the world for their good wishes.
But it seems the upbeat message was written before the dramatic downturn in the Pope’s health, which has left him in a critical condition. The business and the events of the Church are continuing in his absence.
Faith is never lost but it feels like optimism is fading and we are living through the last days of Pope Francis.
In St Peter’s Square the sun shone – and a gentle light fell on the ancient stone of the basilica. The beauty and pageantry of columns of deacons and visitors filing in for a special mass as part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year sat awkwardly with the prognosis of the Pope’s ailing health.
The visitors and deacons who’d come from around the world to take part, and hoped to see the Pope, were left disappointed. Though they said they felt his presence. “It is what it is,” said one.
They know the Pope is an 88-year-old man who has spent the last few years assisted by a wheelchair and walking stick. Throughout his life he has been dogged by lung issues.
It leaves an almost philosophical mood ahead of what the coming days may bring.
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Doctors said on Friday that he was “not out of danger” and was expected to remain in hospital for at least another week.
Sergio Alfieri, the chief of the pontiff’s medical team, said: “Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death’, the answer is ‘no’.”
Doctors also warned that while he did not have sepsis, there was always a risk the infection could spread in his body.
Sepsis is a complication of an infection that can lead to organ failure and death.
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Pope Francis has a history of respiratory illness, having lost part of one of his lungs to pleurisy as a young man.
He had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023.
