Pope Francis continues to be hospitalized in Rome due to a complex lung infection, entering his second week of treatment with a critical condition that has his doctors cautious but optimistic. On Friday, his medical team announced that while the 88-year-old pontiff's situation is serious, he is not currently in immediate danger of death.
Francis, who had previously undergone surgery that resulted in partial lung removal, is being treated for a bronchial infection that escalated to double pneumonia. He has been prescribed various medications, but doctors clarified that he is not reliant on respiratory support. During a news briefing at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, his surgeon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, indicated that the pope has maintained a positive attitude, frequently displaying his characteristic humor.
"I know I am an older man, with chronic problems," Francis candidly mentioned to Dr. Alfieri, who recounted the conversation to gathered reporters. Recognizing the risks that come with his age, he noted the gravity of his condition. Dr. Alfieri labeled the infection as significant but reassured that it had not progressed to sepsis, a serious complication that could arise if the infection enters the bloodstream.
As the Church contemplates Francis's future amidst his health challenges, the possibility of him stepping down, similar to his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, has sparked discussions among some cardinals. Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pope's personal physician, emphasized the delicate balance involved in his treatment plan and reflected on the potential for the situation to shift unexpectedly, considering Francis’s fragile state.
Despite this, the pope's indomitable spirit shone through on Friday evening when he left his hospital room to pray in the chapel of his suite. His medical team remains vigilant, striving to ensure his recovery, though they understand the long road ahead for someone of his age.
