In a welcome update, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis is resting comfortably in hospital, The update comes after the Pope was said to be in a critical condition and was showing an “initial, mild” kidney problem – but was “vigilant” and took part in Mass in hospital with those caring for him. The health scare sparked widespread concern among Catholics and people around the world. According to Vatican officials, the 86-year-old Pontiff’s night in hospital ‘went well’, fueling hopes for a speedy recovery and reassuring the faithful that their beloved leader is in stable condition.

On Monday morning, the Vatican released a brief statement saying the pontiff was “resting” in the hospital and had a peaceful night.

The health updates came after the Vatican announced on Sunday that Pope Francis was in critical condition, experiencing an “initial, mild” kidney issue.

Despite his condition, the statement said he was “vigilant and well-oriented” and had participated in mass with his caregivers. However, given the complexity of his case, the prognosis remained “reserved”

Pope Francis, 88, has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since 14 February, receiving treatment for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

He has a history of respiratory issues, having lost part of a lung to pleurisy in his youth and suffering a severe bout of pneumonia in 2023.

Today marks his 10th day at Gemelli — matching the longest hospital stay of his papacy. He previously spent the same duration there in 2021 after undergoing surgery to remove 33 cm (13 inches) of his colon.

On Sunday, the Vatican shared the Pope’s first message from his hospital bed, in which he asked people to pray for him.

The message reads: “I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!”

He furthered: “In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children.

“Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”

The message is understood to have been written in the last few days.

On Saturday, the Vatican reported that the Pope was in critical condition following a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required high-flow oxygen support.

Doctors administered blood transfusions after tests indicated thrombocytopenia, a condition linked to anemia.

On Friday, doctors stated that the Pope was “not out of danger” and would likely remain in the hospital for at least another week.

They cautioned that his primary risk was sepsis — a potential complication of pneumonia that can cause organ failure and be fatal.

Millions worldwide have been worried about Pope Francis’s increasingly fragile health.

His condition has sparked speculation about a possible resignation, though the Vatican has made no official comment.

On Sunday in New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the Catholic faithful were in harmony “at the bedside of a dying father”.

“As our Holy Father Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health, and probably close to death,” he stated in his homily from the pulpit of St Patrick’s Cathedral.

He later told reporters he hoped and prayed that Francis would “bounce back”.