"Pope Francis is not out of danger." This was the key response from his doctors, who addressed the media for the first time since his hospitalization. Although his condition remains serious, they clarified that his life is not at risk.
DR. LUIGI CARBONE
Doctor, Vatican City State
As mentioned before, he is not out of danger, so like all fragile patients, I always say they are on the balance of gold. That is, it takes very little to tip the scales.
With the Pope’s current clinical condition, the worst-case scenario would be sepsis, meaning the bacteria causing his infection could spread into his bloodstream.
DR. SERGIO ALFIERI
Doctor, Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital (Rome)
If these germs, instead of being localized, circulate in the blood throughout the body, they can also affect other organs. They can target the kidneys, the heart, the brain. Let's hope this never happens; this is the real risk.
However, this has not happened, and his doctors are hopeful that it will not. In fact, with some anecdotes shared by his medical team, they dismissed recent rumors about a possible resignation due to his health or even speculation about his passing.
DR. SERGIO ALFIERI
Doctor, Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital (Rome)
This morning, when he, let's say, sits in his armchair—so first piece of news, he's not bedridden—he receives us, and we go to visit him. We enter, and this morning I say: 'Good morning, Holy Father!' And he smirks and says: 'Good morning, holy son!' Just to give you an idea.
The Pope continues working with his closest collaborators from the hospital, has even visited the chapel to pray, and, most importantly, is showing slight improvement with the treatments. His heart is also responding well.
The doctors also clarified some uncertainties from recent days. The Pope is breathing on his own, though the damage to his respiratory system is due to chronic bronchitis, a condition he will have to manage for the rest of his life.
DR. SERGIO ALFIERI
Doctor, Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital (Rome)
Sometimes he struggles to breathe, as you've seen, it's not a pleasant feeling for any of us when we can't breathe.
What is clear is that Pope Francis will remain in the hospital for a longer period. According to his doctors, a condition like this does not heal overnight and requires time.
CA
TR: SA
