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.”