Irish Catholic Bishops said today, Monday, February 24 that they are praying in a "special way" for Pope Francis, who continues to receive treatment for a double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning, February 14 following the worsening of a bout of bronchitis.
In an update today, the Holy See Press Office said the Pope had spent a "restful" tenth night in the hospital on Sunday night.
"The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting," the statement said, according to Vatican News on Monday.
On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office said the Pope's condition remains critical, though he has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday morning.
Pope Francis had received blood transfusions to bring up his hemoglobin levels.
"The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control," the Holy See Press Office said on Sunday, adding that "High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas."
Later on Monday, Vatican News reported that the Holy See Press Office said the Pope had no new episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress; a slight reduction in oxygen flow and levels; and improved test results. His mild kidney insufficiency is not a cause for concern.
Pope Francis has resumed work and, on Monday evening, called the parish in Gaza, the Holy See said.
Members of the Standing Committee of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement regarding Pope Francis following a gathering in Columba Centre of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth today.
“Pope Francis has a special place in the hearts of the people of Ireland, and this closeness was especially evident during his visit to Dublin and Knock in August 2018," the Committee said.
"Since his hospitalisation on 14 February, we have been praying in a special way for the health and recovery of the Holy Father.
"We are following closely the updates from the Vatican, with this morning’s news stating that ‘the night went well; the Pope slept and is resting’ in Gemelli Hospital, Rome, where he is receiving treatment for complex medical issues.
"We know from his message yesterday, Sunday, that the Holy Father is appreciative of the prayers and support of people, including children from all over the world.
“At the same time, conscious of the Holy Father’s critical condition, we invite the faithful to join a daily praying of the Rosary, which will be broadcast from Saint Peter’s Square this evening at 8:00 pm (Ireland time), where cardinals and members of the Roman Curia will join with pilgrims to pray for Pope Francis’ health. This evening’s Rosary will be led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.”
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