Mon Feb 24 09:10:14 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition, but Night Passes Well

**Vatican City, February 24, 2025** – Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, but spent a restful night, according to a Vatican statement released Monday. This marks his tenth day of hospitalization for a complex lung infection that has led to early-stage kidney insufficiency.

While the Vatican statement confirmed the Pope slept well and is resting, it did not specify if he has woken. Doctors reported on Sunday that his blood tests revealed early, slight kidney insufficiency, currently under control. Although he experienced no further respiratory crises since Saturday, his overall condition remains critical. He is receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen but remains alert and responsive, attending Mass on Sunday. His prognosis, however, remains guarded.

Doctors have expressed concerns about the Pope’s age, fragility, and pre-existing lung conditions, citing sepsis as a major potential threat. No signs of sepsis have been reported in the Vatican’s updates. This hospitalization ties his longest previous stay, a ten-day period in 2021 following colon surgery.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a Sunday homily, stating that the faithful were praying for the Pope, whose health is described as “very, very fragile, and probably close to death.” He later expressed hope for the Pope’s recovery.

The Pope’s precarious health has reignited speculation regarding potential succession plans, including the possibility of resignation should he become incapacitated.

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