Pope Francis in critical condition for second day

The pontiff remains conscious and well oriented, but the prognosis for the outcome of the treatment remains "cautious."

Pope Francis has been in critical condition for the second day, receiving oxygen through nasal cannulas and has also been diagnosed with incipient kidney failure, Vatican News reported on Sunday evening, February 23, citing the Holy See press service.

It is noted that he has not had a single respiratory crisis since last night.

According to the report, Pope Francis received two courses of red blood cell concentrate, which brought benefits and restored hemoglobin levels.

Some blood tests indicate initial, mild kidney failure, which is under control, the report said.

It is also reported that the pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, remains conscious and well oriented.

Due to the complexity of the clinical picture and the need to wait for the results of pharmacological therapy, the prognosis for the results of Pope Francis' treatment remains "cautious."

In addition, the report notes that in the morning, in the apartments on the 10th floor, the Pope participated in Mass with those who are caring for him during these days of his stay in the hospital.

Pope Francis was reportedly hospitalized last week with bronchitis. He was taken to Rome's Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for treatment. It was later discovered that he had pneumonia.