VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis remains hospitalized with pneumonia and is not yet out of danger, his doctors said Friday, confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff will stay at least another week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Despite some improvement, doctors are proceeding cautiously, gradually reducing his medications.
“Is the pope out of danger? No,” said Professor Sergio Alfieri during a press conference. “But is he in immediate danger of dying? No.”
Health Concerns and Possible Risks
What initially seemed like bronchitis developed into double pneumonia, raising concerns about sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication if the infection spreads into the blood.
Doctor Luigi Carbone noted that the pope, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, now has a chronic lung condition, making him a fragile patient.
However, Alfieri highlighted the pope’s resilience, saying, “How many others would have endured all these infections with the workload he has?”
Hospital Stay Extended Amid Recovery
Francis, currently staying in a private papal suite on the 10th floor, is moving between his bed, a chair, and a nearby chapel where he prays.
Doctors insist he remains in the hospital for another week, fearing that if he returns to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, he might resume his demanding schedule too soon.
“We’re keeping him here so that when he goes back, it’ll be harder for him to overdo it,” Alfieri explained.
Regarding whether the pope will lead the Sunday Angelus prayer from his hospital window, Alfieri said, “The pope will decide.”
Speculation on the Pope’s Future
As Pope Francis battles health issues, speculation has resurfaced over whether he will resign, as his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013.
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi noted that Francis had once preemptively signed a resignation letter in case of severe illness.
Meanwhile, French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline said that while he is confident in Francis’ decision-making, resignation could be an option if the pope feels it is best for the Church.
However, Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich dismissed any outside pressure on Francis to step down, insisting, “The decision is up to Francis alone.”
Faithful Stand by Pope Francis
Despite concerns over his health, Pope Francis remains in good spirits. Alfieri shared a lighthearted moment:
“This morning, I greeted him with ‘Good morning, Holy Father!’ and he replied with a grin, ‘Good morning, Holy Son!'”
In St. Peter’s Square, deacon Gege Gerald echoed the sentiments of many, saying, “I love this pope immensely. He has done a lot of good for the Church, and he will do even more.”
As the world watches closely, Pope Francis’ health remains a matter of both prayer and speculation within the Catholic Church.