Pope Francis shows 'slight improvement,' is working from hospital, Vatican says
Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on Pope Francis' health for Monday, Feb. 24. For the latest news view our story for Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Pope Francis showed "slight improvement" Monday and has resumed working from a Rome hospital as people around the word prayed for the pontiff who has been battling double pnuemonia a other ills for more than two weeks.
The Vatican posted an update Monday saying Francis has experience no new episodes of asthma-like "respiratory distress" that had concerned his physicians Saturday. Tests results are improving and a "mild kidney insufficiency" is not a cause for concern, the update said.
"Pope Francis has resumed work and, in the evening, called the parish in Gaza," the update said.
The Vatican had said late Sunday that the pope's condition remained critical but that he was able to attend Mass at Gemelli hospital Sunday morning with medical staff.
While the Vatican provides daily updates on the pope's progress, Catholics and others around the world have been praying for the pontiff. In Argentina, the Buenos Aires Archdiocese scheduled a Mass Monday night for the pope's recovery in a city neighborhood. Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was archbishop there before being elected pope in 2013.
The Vatican announced that, starting Monday, cardinals in Rome will lead the faithful in reciting the rosary each night in St. Peter's Square, praying for the health of the pope. The Vatican said it was "responding to the sentiments of the people of God" and that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, will lead the rosary Monday.
It was Parolin, in an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera on Saturday, who dismissed as "unfounded speculation," reports discussing the possibility that Francis might resign.
Francis is being treated for double pneumonia and has been receiving high-flow oxygen since experiencing an "asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity" Saturday morning. Recent blood tests also revealed "mild renal insufficiency" − the kidney ailment.
Earlier blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the pope to receive blood transfusions. He received two units of concentrated red blood cells and his hemoglobin levels have risen, the Vatican said.
A Vatican official, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorized to speak about the pope's condition, told Reuters on Monday that Francis was eating normally and able to get up and move around in his hospital room.
Francis, 88, was hospitalized Feb. 14 after battling bronchitis for more than a week. The pope had been struggling to speak and breathe during public appearances. He was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection.
How problematic is 'mild renal insufficiency'?
Renal function is measured with a creatinine lab test. A creatinine test measures how well your kidneys are performing the task of filtering waste − creatinine − from your blood. Creatinine is a chemical compound left over from energy-producing processes in your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine and other waste products out of the blood and into urine.
Dr. Robert Greenspan, a nephrologist in Alexandria Va., said some loss of renal function is normal as people age. He added that the creatinine number generally isn't as important as the change in the number over days − that is what physicians will be monitoring for the pope, he said.
"If the creatinine is stable and the urine output good there should be no problem with his recovery," Greenspan said. "Right now no alarms are going up."
What is a polymicrobial infection?
Polymicrobial infections are caused by multiple pathogens, including bacteria, fungi or parasites. These infections can cause both chronic and short-term diseases.
They occur when one microorganism in someone's system makes a person susceptible to a second infection by different microorganism or when two pathogens together cause a disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Francis thanks supporters for their prayers
The pope expressed gratitude to medical staff, thanking “the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.” He also expressed appreciation for the many messages of support he has received, particularly noting letters and drawings from children.
"Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received from all over the world!" the pope wrote. "I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me."
Pope expresses solidarity with Ukrainians
Francis made some mention of global conflicts in an address published on Sunday. Monday marks three years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Francis called the anniversary “a painful and shameful occasion for all of humanity.” The pope reiterated support for “the martyred Ukrainian people.”
"I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts," the pope wrote. "And to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan."
Contributing: Karissa Waddick