Pope Francis remains critical and has ‘slight’ kidney issue: Vatican
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Decorated candles and flowers are placed at the base of the statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted for treatment.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, remains in a critical condition for a second day running and has shown an “initial, slight insufficiency” in his kidney function, the Vatican said on Feb 23.
The prognosis for the 88-year-old pope, who required a transfusion of two units of blood on Feb 22 after experiencing a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis,” remains “guarded”, according to the latest medical update.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Feb 14. The Vatican first described his condition as critical
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical; however, since last night he has not experienced further respiratory crises,” the Vatican said on Feb 23.
Blood tests also indicated “an initial, slight renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” it said, referring to the functioning of the kidneys, which filter waste products in the blood.
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for the pharmacological therapies to show some effect, require that the prognosis remains guarded,” said the statement.
The statement described the pope as “alert and well-oriented” and said he was receiving “high-flow oxygen therapy” through a tube under his nose.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs
Pope Francis, who has been Pope since 2013, has suffered bouts of ill health in the past two years. He is particularly prone to lung infections because he developed pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
The Vatican said on Feb 22 the Pope had needed the blood transfusions because tests showed he had a low platelet count, which is associated with anaemia. Platelets are cell fragments in the blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
On Feb 23, the Vatican said the transfusion had shown benefit and resulted in an increase in the Pope’s levels of haemoglobin, a protein that helps carry oxygen in the body.
It also said his platelet levels had remained stable.
Pilgrims pray for hope
Near the Vatican on the morning of Feb 23, pilgrims expressed concern for the Pope’s condition.
“I am very, very sad,” said Ms Elvira Romana from Italy. “I don’t know how you can continue on normally at this moment.”
Mr Matteo Licari from Sardinia said he was “extremely worried”.
“Let’s hope he can keep living,” said Mr Licari. “We are waiting for him to come back here.”
Outside Gemelli hospital, groups of people were gathering to pray near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was treated at the facility many times during his long papacy.
People left flowers and notes for Pope Francis, and lit candles at the base of the late Pope’s memorial.
In a statement on the evening of Feb 22, the Vatican said the Pope’s respiratory crisis had required administration of “high-flow oxygen”.
It said he had also needed blood transfusions because tests showed he had a low platelet count, which is associated with anaemia.
Platelets are cell fragments in the blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding.
The Vatican announced on Feb 22 that the Pope would not appear in public on Feb 23 to lead prayer with pilgrims, the second consecutive week that he will have missed the event.
In a briefing on Feb 21, two of his doctors said the Pope was highly vulnerable due to his age and frailty. Dr Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of the Gemelli staff, said there was a risk that the lung infection could spread to his bloodstream and develop into sepsis, which “could be very difficult to overcome”. For the latest news, go to straitstimes.com REUTERS
