Some laboratory tests said to have shown ‘slight improvement’ and pontiff reported to be in good humour. Pope Francis, who remains in a critical condition in hospital with pneumonia and mild kidney failure, rested well during the night, the Vatican said.
The pontiff, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 14 February after struggling to breathe and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection, pneumonia in both lungs and mild kidney failure. Thousands gathered in the rain in St Peter’s Square on Monday night to pray for the pope’s health. Similar events were held across Italy and abroad, setting off what will continue to be a nightly marathon of prayers.
“The pope slept well, all night,” the Vatican said in one-line statement. Doctors said on Monday night that Francis remained in a critical condition although some laboratory tests had shown “a slight improvement”. He was also reported to be in good humour, had done some work from his hospital room and made a call to the Holy Family church in Gaza, a daily routine maintained since 9 October 2023. However, his prognosis remained guarded.
The prayers at St Peter’s were led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. “Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house,” Parolin said, praying that Francis “in this moment of illness and trial” would recover quickly.
Vigils have also been held outside the Gemelli, which has long been the preferred hospital for pontiffs. A further update on the pope’s health is expected later on Monday. Before his hospital admission, the pope had maintained a punishing work schedule, despite increasing health issues, and especially because it is the Catholic jubilee year. Last September, he carried out a mammoth 12-day tour to the Asia Pacific region, one of the few places in the world where the Catholic church is growing in terms of baptised faithful and religious vocations.
