Pope Francis spent his tenth day in hospital on Sunday as Catholics worldwide prayed for his recovery, following the Vatican’s warning that his condition remains “critical.”
The 88-year-old pontiff, suffering from double pneumonia, experienced a severe asthma-like attack on Saturday and required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count.
On Sunday morning, the Vatican stated that “the night passed peacefully, the pope rested,” suggesting no further deterioration. However, he remains on oxygen support at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
In a message written earlier but published on Sunday, Francis expressed gratitude to hospital staff and confidence in his treatment.
“I am continuing my hospitalisation at Gemelli, undergoing necessary treatment—and rest is also part of the therapy! I ask you to pray for me,” he said.
‘Suffering More’
The Pope was first admitted on 14 February with bronchitis, but his condition has since worsened.
On Saturday evening, the Vatican warned that he remains in a critical state, adding that he was alert but experiencing increased discomfort.
He reportedly suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” requiring high-flow oxygen and daily blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia—low platelet levels—which led to blood transfusions.
Italian newspapers highlighted concerns, with Corriere della Sera headlining “The Pope Gets Worse” and La Repubblica calling it the Vatican’s “darkest day.”
Global Prayers and Speculation
Well-wishers have gathered outside Gemelli hospital, lighting candles, while a special mass was held in Rome on Sunday evening.
Messages of support have come from around the world, including from Buenos Aires, where Francis once served as archbishop, and Mosul, Iraq, where churches held prayers for him.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also wished him a speedy recovery, calling him a “great humanist.”
Francis’s prolonged hospital stay has sparked concerns not only about his health but also speculation over whether he might step down.
Although he has acknowledged the possibility of resigning, following the precedent set by Benedict XVI in 2013, he has repeatedly stated that now is not the time.
Despite his health struggles, including past surgeries and ongoing mobility issues, the Pope has maintained a demanding schedule, most recently completing a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region.