Pope Francis' Kidney Insufficiency Recedes Amid Pneumonia Battle, Vatican Reports

Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, is showing signs of improvement as he continues his battle with double pneumonia, according to the Holy See. He spent a peaceful night and was resting Thursday morning. Doctors have noted a slight improvement in his condition.

Francis has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for almost two weeks, receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs. Officials reported that he had breakfast and continued his therapy Thursday morning in good spirits.

"The Pope slept well last night and is now resting," the Holy See stated. Further medical test results were expected later on Thursday.

The Vatican released a statement late Wednesday indicating that the kidney insufficiency detected in recent days has receded. Blood tests also showed a slight improvement, and a chest CT scan revealed that his complex lung infection is progressing as expected under treatment.

The Vatican also mentioned that the Pope, who had a portion of one lung removed when he was younger, remains on "high-flow oxygen therapy" but has not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

While Francis’ health has shown a "slight improvement," the Vatican emphasized that his "prognosis remains reserved."

Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a week-long struggle with worsening bronchitis. Doctors initially diagnosed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection, which subsequently developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

Thursday marked Francis' 13th day in the hospital, surpassing his longest previous hospitalization during his papacy. In 2021, he spent 10 days at Gemelli Hospital after undergoing the removal of 13 inches of his colon.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and The Associated Press contributed to this report.