Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he battles pneumonia in both lungs, with blood tests showing mild signs of kidney failure, which is currently under control, the Vatican reported on Sunday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalized over a week ago, has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday evening.
The Vatican added that Francis, though facing mild renal failure, remains "vigilant and well-oriented." He was first admitted to a clinic in Rome ten days ago after being diagnosed with pneumonia following tests for a respiratory tract infection.
Around the world, faith leaders and worshippers have gathered to pray for the pope. His schedule has been largely cleared due to his intensive medical treatment. On Sunday morning, Francis participated in the Holy Mass from his hospital apartment on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital, where the medical staff caring for him also took part.
The Vatican emphasized that the complexity of his condition, along with the wait for medications to take effect, means that his prognosis remains uncertain. Pope Francis thanked his medical team in the text of Sunday’s sermon, which was sent to the press in advance.
Early Monday, the Vatican stated that the pope was "awake" and "in good humour" after a peaceful night. Over the weekend, he had received high flows of oxygen to help with his respiratory issues, but he did not deliver the weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday — marking only the third time in his almost 12-year papacy that this has happened.
Earlier last week, his condition seemed to improve, with the Vatican noting that he had responded "positively" to treatment. Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urology specialist, told CNN that the signs of mild kidney failure should not be cause for alarm. He noted that the kidneys are resilient and that such issues can be temporary, particularly in older adults where infections can lead to complications like sepsis.
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, including severe pneumonia in his youth that led to the removal of part of one lung. He also underwent surgery in 2021 to address diverticulitis and was hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023. In recent months, he had two falls that led to bruises and injuries requiring medical attention.
Doctors have advised him to rest completely, though he has continued some work. He held phone calls with key collaborators during the early days of his hospitalization and signed off on decisions from the clinic. Only his closest collaborators have visited him, including a brief 20-minute visit from Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who said they joked as usual and that Francis had not lost his sense of humour.
Prayers for Francis were offered at Masses in Rome and at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. People gathered outside the hospital with balloons, candles, and flowers for the pope. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo also expressed his prayers for the pope's recovery, saying he hoped God would grant him health and strength to continue his service to humanity.
Meanwhile: Oona Varga spent her childhood winters gliding across the ice at Steinberg Skating Rink in her hometown of St. Louis, and summers cruising on her roller skates through the neighborhood streets.
Her passion for skating began when a friend gifted her a secondhand pair of roller skates she found on Craigslist. From the moment she laced them up at age 8, she was hooked.
“I loved the feeling of the wind in my hair when I skated,” she recalled. “It brought me so much joy.”
But as she entered her early teens, skating gradually faded from her routine. It wasn’t until a few years ago, at 22, that she invested in a new pair of roller skates, this time ones that fit properly. That simple decision reignited her love for skating.
“Back then, I used to imagine I was in an '80s movie while skating,” Varga said. “Now, it brings back memories of my childhood.”
You might relate — perhaps you’ve thought about a childhood activity you once loved but let go of as you got older. Maybe you dream of playing kickball with the community, hosting a board game night, collecting trinkets, or singing your favourite karaoke tunes.
No matter what it is, there’s a reason you feel drawn to these activities. And you may be surprised by the benefits of bringing more play into your life. Read more here.......
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