Pope Francis Spends Ninth Night in Hospital Amid Critical Condition
Pope Francis spent his ninth night in hospital peacefully, the Vatican announced on Sunday, following reports that the 88-year-old pontiff remains in a critical condition.
On Saturday, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a prolonged respiratory attack and required blood transfusions. Despite his condition, he remained alert and was seated in a chair. However, the prognosis remained uncertain, sparking concern among the Catholic community of nearly 1.4 billion people.
Sunday morning’s update was brief, stating only: “The night passed peacefully, the pope rested.” A Vatican source later confirmed that, unlike earlier in the week, Francis had not eaten breakfast or read the newspapers.
Worsening Condition
The pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia.
Doctors had initially indicated on Friday that he was improving but not out of danger, offering hope for a recovery. However, those hopes were quickly dashed as his condition deteriorated on Saturday.
“The Holy Father’s condition continues to be critical, therefore, as explained (Friday), the pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Though he remained alert, the Vatican noted that he was “suffering more than” the previous day and had experienced a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which required high-flow oxygen.”
Blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) associated with anaemia, leading to blood transfusions. According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), thrombocytopenia can cause excessive bleeding and may be life-threatening.
Italian media reflected the growing concern, with Corriere della Sera headlining “The pope gets worse”, while La Repubblica described it as “the darkest day” at the Vatican. Leading virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco told La Stampa, “The situation is becoming more worrying… The next few hours and days will be crucial.”
Prayers for the Pope
With his health in question, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis would not deliver his usual Angelus prayer on Sunday, opting instead to publish the text.
In previous hospital stays, the pope had delivered the prayer from the balcony of the Gemelli hospital, where he is staying in a special papal suite on the 10th floor.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Rino Fisichella replaced Francis at a Sunday morning Jubilee 2025 Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. In his sermon, he reassured the faithful, saying: “Even though he is in a hospital bed, we feel him close to us.”
Cardinal Baldo Reina, vicar of Rome, urged believers to join him for a special evening Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, praying for “the necessary strength” for the pope.
Outside the Gemelli hospital, a group of nuns and priests gathered on Saturday, singing and praying for Francis. Well-wishers have also been lighting candles bearing his image at the foot of a statue of former Pope John Paul II, who was frequently treated at the same hospital.
Resignation Uncertain Amid Health Struggles
Pope Francis has repeatedly stated that the papacy is a “job for life” but has also left open the possibility of resignation, following the example of Pope Benedict XVI, who in 2013 became the first pope in centuries to voluntarily step down due to declining health.
Francis has previously dismissed talk of resignation, insisting he still has the strength to lead. However, his worsening condition has raised new doubts about his ability to fulfil his demanding role.
Despite his health struggles—including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023—Francis has maintained a packed schedule, even embarking on a 12-day tour to the Asia-Pacific last year. However, his mobility has been significantly affected by hip and knee pain, often requiring him to use a wheelchair.
As the world watches and prays, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of the Catholic Church’s leader.
