Pope Francis is currently in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has spent a peaceful night as he recovers from double pneumonia. According to the Holy See Press Office, his condition remains critical but he is not in immediate danger.
Over the past few days, the Pope faced some challenges, including a respiratory crisis that required high-flow oxygen. Recent blood tests showed signs of thrombocytopenia and anemia, leading to necessary blood transfusions.
Despite these health issues, the Pope is alert and spent part of Saturday sitting in an armchair, though he feels more fatigued than usual. His medical team, including Dr. Sergio Alfieri, estimates that he will stay in the hospital for at least another week. They emphasized that while he is not at risk of dying, he isn’t fully out of danger either.
Dr. Alfieri noted the Pope is not on a ventilator but is experiencing breathing difficulties that limit his movements. However, he remains in good spirits, engaging in conversation and work. For example, when one doctor greeted him, the Pope humorously responded, “Hello, Holy Son.”
Doctors are carefully monitoring the situation, aware that there’s a risk of germs from the respiratory tract entering the bloodstream, which could lead to complications like sepsis. Nevertheless, Dr. Alfieri expressed confidence that the Pope will eventually return to his residence in Casa Santa Marta, even though he will continue to face chronic respiratory issues.
Source link
Pope Francis, medicine & health
