He’s currently receiving oxygen therapy and has had blood transfusions. Blood tests also showed he has a mild kidney issue, but it’s "currently under control."
The Vatican added that the Pope is "alert and well oriented," meaning he’s aware of what’s going on around him. The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after having trouble breathing for several days.
He was first treated for bronchitis, but doctors later found he had pneumonia in both lungs. On Sunday, the Vatican said his low platelet count—a condition called thrombocytopenia—was stable.
Earlier in the day, the Pope "participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who are taking care of him during these days."
The Vatican didn’t give a clear outlook for his recovery because of the "complexity of the clinical picture." This update comes after the Vatican said on Saturday that the Pope had a breathing crisis and was in a "critical" condition.
Earlier on Sunday, the Pope asked Catholics to pray for him after he couldn’t deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second week in a row.
The Pope is at higher risk for pneumonia—a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi—because he had part of his lung removed when he was younger after suffering from pleurisy, a lung inflammation.
The 86-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been hospitalized several times during his 12 years as Pope, including for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.
Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
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