Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome with double pneumonia, and while doctors confirm he is expected to survive, they caution that he is not yet in the clear. His condition remains serious, given his age and previous health challenges, but medical experts assure that he is currently not in immediate life-threatening danger.
Pope Francis’ Hospitalization and Current Condition
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. Since then, his doctors have been closely monitoring his condition, with daily updates from the Vatican.
During a press conference on Friday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his attending physicians, emphasized that while the pope is not out of danger, his condition remains stable. “If the question is whether he is in life-threatening danger, the answer is no,” Alfieri explained. However, he added that there is still a risk of complications due to his age and the nature of his illness.
What Makes This Infection So Complex?
Pope Francis’ pneumonia is described as polymicrobial, meaning multiple microorganisms are responsible for the infection. This makes treatment more challenging and increases the risk of complications. Although the pope is responding to treatment, doctors remain cautious about the potential for the infection to spread or worsen.
Medical experts confirm that the pope is able to breathe on his own, but he is occasionally receiving oxygen support through a nasal tube. This helps ease his breathing and prevent further strain on his already weakened lungs.
Daily Life at the Hospital
Despite his condition, Pope Francis has been spending time out of bed, sitting in an armchair to work, and even visiting the chapel within his private hospital apartment. His medical team describes him as alert and engaged, but they have advised him to stay at the hospital for at least another week.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pope’s general practitioner, reiterated that his condition remains delicate. “With fragile patients like Pope Francis, it only takes a minor setback for the situation to become unstable,” he said. Doctors are keeping a close watch to ensure his recovery stays on track.
The Risk of Sepsis and Other Complications
One of the main concerns surrounding the pope’s health is the risk of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection spreads into the bloodstream. While doctors have ruled out sepsis for now, they stress that any further complications could be difficult to overcome.
“If one of these germs were to enter his bloodstream, it could lead to sepsis,” Dr. Alfieri warned. “Given his respiratory condition and age, that would be very challenging to treat.”
Could Pope Francis Resign Due to Health Issues?
Given his ongoing health struggles, some within the Catholic Church have speculated whether Pope Francis might consider resigning, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. However, the pope has repeatedly dismissed this possibility. In 2024, he called resignation a “distant hypothesis,” making it clear that he intends to continue leading the Catholic Church for as long as he is physically able.
What Happens Next?
With all of Pope Francis’ public engagements canceled through the weekend, Vatican officials are expected to reassess his schedule based on his recovery progress. Many anticipate that he will need to slow down his famously busy routine, which often includes multiple meetings and public appearances each day.
As the world watches and prays for his recovery, doctors continue to work to ensure the pope regains his strength before being discharged. His health remains a matter of global concern, given his role as the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
