Pope Has Signs of Mild Kidney Failure, Remains in Critical Condition: Vatican

The pope was hospitalized on Feb. 14 after experiencing bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis that soon led to a polymicrobial infection.

Candles near pictures of Pope Francis outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on Feb. 23, 2025, where the pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo

Pope Francis is conscious but showing signs of mild kidney failure, and he remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection after suffering a respiratory crisis, the Vatican said on Feb. 23.

Some of the pope’s blood tests show “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said on Feb. 23. He continues to be “vigilant and well oriented.”