Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in a “fair” condition on Friday after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. He has spoken of his fears to his close allies
Pope Francis has spoken to those closest to him over fears he may not beat his current medical battle with pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff is in hospital battling the condition which has spread to both his lungs, and has reportedly told his confidants he “might not make it this time”. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in a “fair” condition on Friday after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. But on Monday, it was announced he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection – a mix of viruses, bacteria and other organisms in his respiratory tract.
Doctors banned him from taking part in several engagements, with the Vatican cancelling or rescheduling his papal audiences this week. Yesterday, the Vatican said: "Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture." The infection is of particular concern as the Pope had part of his lung removed many years ago.
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Now, two people close to the the Catholic leader have claimed he told them that he "might not make it this time", according to a report by American political newspaper, Politico. The Vatican has given no indication of how long he might remain hospitalised, only saying that the treatment of such a “complex clinical picture,” which has already required two changes in his drug regimen, would require an “adequate” stay.
While other Vatican operations proceeded as normal, the cancellations put a damper on upcoming events of the Vatican’s big Holy Year, the once-every-quarter-century celebration of Catholicism that is aimed at encouraging pilgrims to come to Rome to participate in special Jubilee activities.
Expected to draw some 30 million people to Rome, the Holy Year is packed with special papal audiences and Masses throughout 2025, some of which have now been put into question given Francis’ illness.
Dr Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious disease and geriatric disease expert in Rome said: “The Pope is at risk of pneumonia because of this polymicrobial bronchitis. We will see the effect of this new therapy in four to five days.”
Dr D’Asero, who is not directly involved in Francis’ care, noted that his lack of a fever was not necessarily a positive thing, given the seriousness of his infection. “A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen,” he said.
“Having a low fever and having a serious bronchial infection… is a sign of a decreased immune response and that makes us worry a little bit more, let’s say. Maybe if he had a fever, it would have been better.” On Monday, Francis resumed doing some work and made his daily call to a Gaza City parish to check in on the Catholic community there.
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
