Pope Francis is still on supplemental oxygen and blood tests revealed mild kidney failure, according to his doctors.
SAN ANTONIO — Prayers are pouring in from around the world, including in San Antonio, for Pope Francis following his hospitalization.
On Sunday morning, the Vatican reported the Pope remained in critical condition but has not had any “further respiratory crises.”
The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was first hospitalized on February 14 for a lung infection.
Across San Antonio Sunday, parishioners prayed for Francis. KENS 5 caught up with some people outside the San Fernando Cathedral downtown ahead of mass Sunday.
“We want to make sure that if he stays with us, he stays in good health, if not, Earth is waiting for him, but I know heaven is waiting for him too,” Mariana Gaona said.
Pope Francis is still on supplemental oxygen and blood tests revealed mild kidney failure, according to his doctors.
However, those doctors insist it is under control.
“He is 88 years old; we just have to commence to keep on praying,” Alberto Ruiz said.
The Archbishop of San Antonio released a statement Saturday following the news that Francis was in critical condition:
Today, on February 22, the Catholic Church observes the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, a tradition that dates back more than 1,600 years. The feast honors the authority of St. Peter, the first pope, and the unbroken line of his successors, up to our current Holy Father, Pope Francis. This afternoon it has been widely reported and the Vatican has confirmed that the pope’s health has taken a turn, and he is now in critical condition. I invite the people of God and all people of goodwill to pray for Pope Francis. May the Holy Spirit sustain him and give him the strength to persevere to the end. We are in unity in prayer for the Holy Father.
The Pope did release a statement Sunday thanking the doctors and health workers at the Gemelli Hospital.
He said, “I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!”