The press office for the Vatican said Sunday that Pope Francis, 88, has suffered from some kidney failure as he recovers from double pneumonia.  The Pope’s condition remained “critical” on Sunday, but according to the Vatican the pontiff hasn’t experienced any more “respiratory crises” since Saturday evening.

In its latest update on Sunday afternoon, the Vatican said the pope was given two units of concentrated red blood cells “with benefit and an increase in hemoglobin level. Thrombocytopenia has remained stable; however, some blood tests show an initial, slight, renal insufficiency, which is under control. High-flow oxygen therapy through the nasal cannula is continuing. The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and well oriented. The complexity of the clinical picture, and the time needed for the pharmacological therapies to produce results, mean that the prognosis remains uncertain.”

On the Pope’s official account on X, he shared on Sunday: “I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”

Pope Francis has reportedly remained in good spirits and is not on any life support machines apart from oxygen during asthmatic episodes. He has now been hospitalized for over a week, with doctors telling reporters that their biggest concern is that the bacteria from his lung infections could enter his bloodstream and cause sepsis. Gemelli Hospital doctors have stated that his illness is not life-threatening, with Dr. Sergio Alfieri sharing: “Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death’, the answer is ‘no’.”

Editorial credit: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.com