Pope Francis' status “remains critical” but “since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises,” reported the Vatican press office in a statement released on the evening of Sunday, February 23, 2025. However, he continues to receive “high-flow oxygen therapy.” His blood tests have also revealed “mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control,” the report announced.
The prognosis remains “guarded” due to the complexity of the clinical situation.
This morning, the Pope participated in Holy Mass and the Vatican says that he continues to be alert and "well-oriented."
Full statement from Sunday evening
He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen.
The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.
High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.
The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented.
The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.
This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.
The 88-year-old Argentinian pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14 at the Gemelli Polyclinic.
Saturday's turn for the worse
He took a turn for the worse on February 22, when he had "an asthmatic-like respiratory crisis of a prolonged nature, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen," the Holy See reported that evening.
As well, "blood tests also showed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions."
The Pope's vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, concelebrated with several priests a Mass for the Pope this evening in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the diocese. Meanwhile prayers from around the world continue to pour in.
Today's the Pope's account on X posted two messages, for the first time since last Sunday, February 16, which was just two days after he was admitted to the hospital. One was about the affection of the faithful.
The other post urged: "Do not be afraid to take risks for love!"
In addition, the Pope's message for the Sunday Angelus was released (see below), as well as the homily he had prepared for today's Mass during the Jubilee of Deacons.
