Pope Francis' condition still 'critical,' Vatican says in latest health update
ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis' condition remained "critical" on Sunday, but the pontiff hasn't experienced any more "respiratory crises" since Saturday evening, according to the Vatican.
In its latest update on Sunday afternoon, the Vatican said the pope was given two units of concentrated red blood cells "with benefit and an increase in hemoglobin level." Doctors tell ABC News this means his anemia successfully improved.
"Thrombocytopenia has remained stable; however, some blood tests show an initial, slight, renal insufficiency, which is under control," the Vatican said. "High-flow oxygen therapy through the nasal cannula is continuing."
Doctors say this means his low platelets are unchanged, but there are signs of decreased kidney function on blood tests. Generally speaking, doctors say decreased kidney function can be due to many underlying problems, side effects of medications, or due to the kidneys not getting enough blood flow. It's unclear from the Vatican's statement what has caused this, but it appears to be mild and is being monitored.
"The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and well oriented," the Vatican continued. "The complexity of the clinical picture, and the time needed for the pharmacological therapies to produce results, mean that the prognosis remains uncertain."
On Sunday morning, in an apartment set up for the pope on the 10th floor of Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Francis took part in Holy Mass with those who have been taking care of him during his stay, according to the Vatican.
The pontiff had a peaceful night of rest, the Holy See said in a statement earlier Sunday.
The 88-year-old pope underwent another round of clinical tests on Sunday morning, Vatican sources told ABC News.
The pontiff, in a written prayer released on Sunday, said he was "confidently continuing" his hospitalization, adding that "rest is also part of the therapy!"
"I sincerely thank 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 said.
Asthmatic respiratory crisis indicates the pope struggled to maintain a sufficient oxygen level when breathing on his own, according to medical experts.
The Vatican on Saturday said the pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, remained in critical condition.
The pope has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 following a bout with bronchitis.
He was diagnosed with pneumonia on Tuesday, according to the Vatican.
Apart from his medical team and security, the pope has not had visitors apart from his closest aides, sources said.
ABC News' Ivan Pereira and Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report.
