Vatican issues statement revealing Pope Francis ‘critical’

Australians are uniting in their prayers for Pope Francis, 88, after the Vatican revealed his battle in hospital is far from over.

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Reverend Anthony Fisher is praying for the recovery of Pope Francis as the supreme pontiff fights for his life and receives treatment for multiple respiratory infections.

The Vatican has confirmed Pope Francis, 88, is receiving oxygen but has not revealed the prognosis of the supreme pontiff’s complex health battle after he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a lung infection.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney said on Monday that the church was praying for the health and recovery of Pope Francis.

“In this time of illness, we unite with Archbishop Anthony in our prayers for the Holy Father Pope Francis and invite the ongoing prayers of all the faithful in Sydney and beyond for his health, comfort and recovery,” said the Catholic Archdiocese.

Pope Francis is in the fight of his life in hospital. Picture: Getty Images

“May the Lord grant him peace and strength, as we trust in the Lord’s mercy and love, confident that He hears our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher over the weekend invited fellow Catholics to pray with him for the recovery of Pope Francis in Rome.

According to the latest update from the Vatican, the Pope “continues to be vigilant and well orientated”.

In a statement issued by the Holy See press office on Sunday evening local time (Monday AEDT) it is clear the pope’s health battle is far from over as he battles pneumonia and a lung infection.

“The Holy Father’s condition remains critical, however since yesterday evening he has not presented any further respiratory crises,” the Vatican’s statement said.

Deacons take part in a mass for their jubilee in St. Peter's Basilica at The Vatican Sunday that was supposed to be presided over by Pope Francis. Picture: AP

“He performed two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit and an increase in haemoglobin control.

“Thrombocytopenia remained stable however some blood tests showed an initial, mild, renal insufficiency which is currently under control.

“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas”.

Messages of support sent to Pope Francis at Vatican City. Picture: Supplied

Thrombocytopenia is a condition that occurs when the platelet count in the blood is too low which helps allow the blood to clot.

Platelets are tiny blood cells that are made in the bone marrow from larger cells and the condition can be life-threatening if there is bleeding within the brain.

The pope was also diagnosed with bronchitis and pneumonia in both lungs during his latest health battle, that is now in its second week.

The Vatican also revealed that on Sunday morning the pope, “in the (hospital) apartment set up on the 10th floor he participated in the Holy Mass together with those who are taking care of him during these days of hospitalisation”.

On Sunday morning local time Pope Francis also issued his weekly Angelus address during an extremely difficult time for him.

People pray outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where Pope Francis is hospitalised. Picture: AP

“I urge you to continue with joy your apostolate and – as today’s Gospel suggests – to be a sign of a love that embraces all, that transforms evil into good and generates a fraternal world,” the address reads.

He also said he had received many messages of support from the public and he thanked many for the “closeness and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world”.

Faithful visit St Peter's Square as Pope Francis is in hospital with pneumonia, on February 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. Picture: Getty Images

The pope was admitted to Rome’s second-largest health facility, Gemelli Hospital, on February 14 and he has remained in hospital since then.

St Peter’s Square at Vatican City was busy with many visitors to the religious site on Sunday including worshippers who remain concerned about the status of the pope’s health.

The pope was forced to cancel his weekend engagements to ensure he remains fully focused on his health battle while he remains in hospital.

Faithful visit St Peter's Square as Pope Francis is in hospital with pneumonia. Picture: Getty Images

It remains unclear if Pope Francis, the 266th pope, will stand down but from all accounts this does not appear to be on his agenda.

Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 became the first pope in 600 years who retired after he conceded that he didn’t have the physical strength to continue.

He was 85 years old at the time.

Originally published as Vatican issues statement revealing Pope Francis ‘critical’