The Vatican says Pope Francis is stable and that he followed Mass on television after a second night sleeping well at the hospital

Pope Francis remained in a critical condition Sunday and blood tests showed early kidney failure but he remains alert, responsive and attended Mass, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

Pope Francis remained in critical condition Sunday and blood tests showed early kidney failure but he remains alert, responsive and attended Mass, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

People attend a Mass to pray for Pope Francis' health in Constitution square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises.

Pope Francis, who has spent the last two nights in hospital, apologised for missing a mass at the Vatican on Sunday, saying that he was still being treated for bronchitis and thanking his doctors for looking after him.

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope's Vicar for Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, on the occasion of a Mass for the health of Pope Francis at the Church of the

Valentina Fernandez poses for a picture holding an image of Pope Francis after a Mass to pray for his health at Constitution Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Feb. 24,

The Vatican issued a medical update saying Pope Francis' prognosis remains "guarded," but he is "alert" and even joking with visitors.

Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis,” the Vatican said Thursday.

The mass followed a similar service on Tuesday evening at the church of the Argentine community in Rome, reflecting the global concern for Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013

A Mass of Healing for the Holy Father is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3938 Poplar Level Road.