Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized with pneumonia, is not yet out of danger and will remain in the hospital for at least another week, according to his doctors.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted last Friday due to breathing difficulties, has shown slight improvement, which has allowed doctors to gradually reduce his medication.
However, Professor Sergio Alfieri stated that the pope is still not out of danger, although he is not at immediate risk of dying.
What began as bronchitis developed into double pneumonia, raising concerns about Francis’s ability to continue leading the Catholic Church.
Alfieri noted that the primary risk is the potential for the infection to spread into the bloodstream, causing sepsis, which could be life-threatening.
Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, now suffers from a chronic lung condition and is considered a fragile patient.
Despite these challenges, Alfieri praised the pope’s resilience, saying, “He has incredible strength. How many others would have endured all these infections with his workload?”
Pope Francis, who is staying in a special suite at the Gemelli hospital, has been able to move between his bed, a chair, and a nearby chapel to pray.
He will remain in the hospital “at least for all of next week,” Alfieri stated, as it would be difficult for him to rest properly if sent back to his Vatican residence, Santa Marta.
Alfieri also mentioned that the pope is in “good spirits,” despite experiencing difficulty breathing, and that he remains mentally sharp. Francis even shared a lighthearted exchange, joking with Alfieri by calling him “Holy Son.”
As the pope remains absent from the Vatican, questions are being raised about his future. Francis, who has endured several health issues in recent years, quipped to Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that some people were hoping for his death due to his health struggles.
He even joked in 2021 after colon surgery that some were preparing for a papal conclave in anticipation of his death.
While Pope Francis has made it clear that he intends to serve for life, he has also suggested that he might consider resignation, like his predecessor Benedict XVI.
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi and French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline did not rule out the possibility of Francis stepping down, acknowledging the challenges he faces, particularly with his respiratory issues.
However, Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich emphasized that the decision to resign would ultimately be up to Pope Francis, depending on his recovery.
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