Pope Francis' health remains "fragile" after respiratory setback, but not in immediate danger of death, doctor says

After a week in the hospital battling severe respiratory complications, Pope Francis, 88, has shown signs of improvement, but his medical team stressed that his condition is still fragile. On Friday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope's treating doctors, addressed the media, assuring the public that while the pontiff's health remains a concern, he is not in imminent danger of death.

Alfieri confirmed that while Pope Francis is not out of danger, his life is not currently at risk. The doctor clarified, "Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death,’ the answer is ‘no.’” Pope Francis’ advanced age and ongoing health issues, including a history of respiratory complications, make him a "fragile" patient, Alfieri explained. Due to these factors, his condition could fluctuate day by day. However, Alfieri noted that the Pope's spirits remain high, and he is able to get out of bed, sit in an armchair, and continue his work.

Despite his fragile health, the Pope has been able to visit the hospital chapel for prayer and remains active in his recovery, which has been encouraging for his doctors.

The Pope is being treated at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, one of Italy’s largest and most well-known hospitals. Alfieri indicated that the Pope will stay there until he is sufficiently recovered to return to the Vatican. The exact timeline for his recovery remains unclear, with the doctor suggesting that it could take "days, even weeks." It is expected that Pope Francis will remain in the hospital at least through next week.

As for the Pope’s public duties, it remains uncertain whether he will be able to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer this Sunday. The medical team plans to evaluate his condition before making a recommendation.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis, and doctors later reported that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs. The infection, described as "polymicrobial," is a mix of several types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This complex infection has required the use of both corticosteroids and antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.

The Vatican had previously confirmed that the Pope’s health condition was linked to his chronic respiratory issues, including bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. While the Pope’s health had begun to show slight improvements by Wednesday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited the Pope at the hospital, reassured the public, saying that Francis was “alert and responsive” and maintained his sense of humor during their meeting.

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Pope Francis has had a long history of health issues, particularly related to respiratory infections and other ailments that have led to multiple surgeries in recent years. In 2021, he underwent surgery to address diverticulitis, a painful intestinal condition. Last year, he underwent another procedure to repair a hernia. He has also had several falls, including a recent one that left him with a bruised face and required him to wear an arm sling.

In addition to these health issues, Pope Francis often uses a wheelchair due to ongoing back and knee pain, which has become more pronounced as he has aged.

Despite these ongoing health battles, the Pope has remained active in his duties as the spiritual leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide since his election to the papacy in 2013. His recovery from this latest health crisis is expected to take time, but his doctors remain hopeful for a positive outcome.