‘Not out of danger!’ Pope Francis receives major health update as 88-year-old to remain in hospital ‘for all of next week’
Pope Francis has received a major health update after doctors admitted the 88-year-old is “not out of danger”.
The Vatican’s chief pontiff “wants his condition reported to the world without hiding anything” after entering Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14.
Pope Francis was struggling with breathing difficulties for several days before undergoing treatment.
The Pope’s doctor Sergio Alfieri stressed the 88-year-old will remain in hospital “at least through next week”, adding Francis is keeping “good spirits” in Rome.
The Pope marked his week-long hospital stay by getting up and having breakfast on Friday morning, the Vatican reported.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed Francis had slept well and taken his breakfast whilst seated in an armchair.
The pontiff has maintained “good spirits” throughout his stay, his doctor said, though his condition can change day by day.
It remains Francis’s decision whether he will lead this Sunday’s weekly public prayer at the Vatican.
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Doctors have diagnosed a complex respiratory infection involving bacteria, virus and other organisms, alongside pneumonia in both lungs.
“Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death’, the answer is ‘no’,” Dr Alfieri told reporters.
The Vatican reported a “slight improvement” in his overall clinical condition, with his heart working well.
Doctors have prescribed “absolute rest” for the pontiff.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Pope on Wednesday, becoming his first known VIP visitor during this hospital stay.
Meloni reported that Francis was “alert and responsive” during their meeting.
The Pope demonstrated his characteristic humour, joking with Meloni about people betting on his death, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said in a statement.
As Francis’s hospital stay continues, some cardinals have begun addressing questions about potential resignation.
“Everything is possible,” said Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille, when asked about the matter.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi suggested Francis might step down if his ability to maintain direct contact with people was compromised.
Francis confirmed in 2022 that he had written a resignation letter shortly after becoming pontiff, in case medical problems impeded his duties.
Francis has experienced several significant hospital stays during his nearly 12-year pontificate.
In 2021, he spent 10 days at Gemelli hospital for colon surgery, removing 33 centimetres of his colon.
He returned to Gemelli in 2023 for nine days to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia.
The Pope had part of one lung removed as a young man and now uses a wheelchair due to knee problems.
Catholics worldwide have joined in prayer for the Pope’s recovery, with special services being held across the globe.
In the Philippines, Asia’s largest Catholic nation, worshippers gathered at Manila Cathedral on Friday for an hour-long prayer service.
The Vatican’s ambassador to Manila, Archbishop Charles John Brown, noted: “The Philippines has a place very close to his heart.”
The Pope previously drew a record crowd of six million people during his 2015 Manila visit.