Pope Francis has been in the hospital for several weeks. The 88-year-old pope has long suffered from a series of health issues. However, his most recent hospitalization has been the most severe, leading many to assume the worst. In a brief statement, he reiterated his calls for peace, specifically in Gaza and Ukraine. The Pope remains in grave condition.
“The Holy Father presented two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” The Pope, “remained alert, oriented and cooperative throughout.”Given the delicate situation, which the doctors have referred to as “critical,” they said their “prognosis remains guarded.” While his condition is still critical, Francis has maintained high spirits. He wrote a brief letter explaining his condition.
“It is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord; at the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people,” he said. “From here, war appears even more absurd,” the pope added, remembering “tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Kivu.”
Pope Francis has often called for “arms to be silenced” around the world in his Christmas address. He appealed for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan as he denounced the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza. In his traditional address to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, held in December of 2024, he called for talks for a just peace in Ukraine and drew attention to the citation in Gaza.
The Pontiff said, “I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave,” to the thousands gathered in front of St Peter’s Basilica for the “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) speech. He went on to say “May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war.”
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises,” the Vatican reported in February “He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen. The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.”
“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas. The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented,” the report stated. “The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded. This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.”
“All of this seems to me to be unfounded speculation. Right now, our focus is on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his return to the Vatican—these are the only things that matter,” said Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. While his prognosis is unknown at this time, many assume the worst given his advanced age and failing health.