Though pope's kidney issues subside, his prognosis 'remains guarded'
Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for 12 days, "continues to show signs of improvement, with his kidney issues subsiding," the Vatican said Wednesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff remains in critical condition and "despite the slight improvements, his prognosis remains guarded," the press office said in an update Wednesday night.
He is being treated for double pneumonia reported on Feb. 18 and on Sunday he was showing signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control.
"The Holy Father's condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours," the Vatican said.
He had a restful night again from the 10th floor in a special suite of rooms, including a chapel.
In the morning, the pope received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon he resumed his work. He is assisted by his two personal secretaries.
A chest CT scan Tuesday night "showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation."
In addition, blood tests conducted Wednesday confirmed the improvement observed Tuesday.
The pope remains on high-flow oxygen though he hasn't experienced any asthma-like respiratory episodes Wednesday. Also, physiotherapy is continuing, the Vatican said.
He is susceptible to pneumonia because he contracted pleurisy in his 20s and had part of his lung removed.
This is Francis' longest hospital stay and fourth since he became pope in 2013.
Despite the cancellation of the General Audience on Wednesday, Francis continues to teach from his hospital room. The Vatican released his catechesis.
This was his second catechesis since being admitted into Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 where he was first treated for bronchitis.
He reflected on the presentation of Jesus in the Temple 40 days after his birth, and the Lord's encounter with two elderly "pilgrims of hope," Simeon and Anna.
Francis invited the faithful to imitate Simeon and Anna, "who know how to welcome God's visit with joy and rekindle hope in the hearts of brothers and sisters."
In St. Peter's Square, cardinals, bishops, nuns and faithful have been gathering since Monday night to say the rosary for the pontiff.
The hospital is about 4 miles from the Vatican.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, said Sunday in a homily from St. Patrick's Cathedral that the pope is "probably close to death."
Alfonso La Femmina, outside the hospital, told CNN he prays and hopes "that God may help."
"When I see the news every morning and every evening that he has slept well, I feel pleased," he said. "When I hear that he is getting better, even if his condition is stable and the progress is still uncertain, I pray, hoping that he can recover as soon as possible."
Francis wrote a letter in 2013 that made provisions should he become incapacitated.
Benedict XVI resigned that year and in 2022 died at 95.
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