Pope Francis’ early-stage kidney insufficiency ‘subsided’ on Wednesday, Vatican says
People pray at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is hospitalized with pneumonia, in Rome on Feb. 26, 2025. / Credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images
Vatican City, Feb 26, 2025 / 15:05 pm (CNA).
Pope Francis’ mild early-stage kidney insufficiency “subsided” on Wednesday, according to the Vatican.
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition over the past 24 hours has shown further slight improvement,” the Holy See Press Office stated. “The mild renal insufficiency noted in recent days has receded.”
Despite the improvement, the latest medical report stated the pope’s “prognosis remains reserved.”
The 88-year-old pontiff had a chest CT scan Tuesday evening that showed a “normal evolution” of lung inflammation caused by pneumonia.
Blood tests taken Wednesday confirmed the pope, though fragile, is showing signs of recovery.
“Today’s hematochemical and hemacrocytometric examinations confirmed yesterday’s improvement,” the Vatican’s evening statement said.
The pope did not experience an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” on his 12th day of treatment in Gemelli Hospital but continues to undergo “high-flow oxygen therapy” and respiratory physiotherapy to treat his pneumonia.
“During the morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist. The afternoon was devoted to work activities,” the Vatican report concluded.
Though the Holy Father met with Vatican officials at Gemelli Hospital earlier this week — including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State — the pontiff has not received any visitors today, the Vatican said.
In Rome, parishes and religious communities continue to offer Masses and prayers for Pope Francis, his health, and the leadership of the Church while the pontiff remains in the hospital for ongoing medical treatment.
Since Monday, the Diocese of Rome and the Roman Curia have collaborated to organize nightly prayer events open to the public in St. Peter’s Square to pray for the pope’s recovery.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead Wednesday evening’s rosary.
