Pope Francis is not ‘out of danger’ after pneumonia hospital admission
The Vatican’s medical team have said Pope Francis is ‘not out of danger,’ but his condition is not life-threatening as the pontiff remains in hospital.
Sergio Alfieri, the chief of the pope’s medical team, said the 88-year-old was a ‘fragile patient’ but was in ‘good spirits’.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital last Friday after experiencing symptoms of bronchitis for several days.
Pope Francis is not at risk of dying, the Vatican medical experts said in a press conference today.
The Catholic Church’s leader had a good night and ate breakfast this morning, they added.
The Vatican’s update yesterday reassured that the pope’s overall condition was ‘improving slightly’ and his heart is working well.
The pope’s bronchitis deteriorated after his admission into hospital a week ago and doctors announced on Tuesday that he had pneumonia in both lungs.
He has been forced to cancel a number of public appearances, including his Sunday Angelus address to pilgrims from his balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square and tomorrow’s weekly audience.
It has once again raised concerns over the health of the Argentine pontiff, who famously had part of one lung removed following a severe infection in his 20s and has experienced multiple medical problems over the past two years.
Pope Francis’s latest health battle comes as he is reportedly rushing to tie up loose ends ahead of a battle to succeed him.
The pontiff has been suffering from excruciating pain and has expressed concern’s he won’t recover, sources told Politico.
One cardinal hinted Pope Francis could resign as his health woes mount.
Cardinal Ravasi told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: ‘If he should have some serious difficulties carrying out his service, he will make his choice.
Ravasi also suggested his leader might battle on to the Jubilee this year, which is a year-long celebration that takes place every quarter of a century and brings millions of Roman Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican.
Francis’ predecessor Pope Benedict XVI shocked the Church when he announced his resignation in 2013 due to poor health.
Benedict was the first pope in 600 years to step down from the role.
Last year Pope Francis labelled the possibility of resignation only a ‘distant hypothesis’.
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