Pope Francis remains fragile state but not in life-threatening danger, doctor assures

Pope Francis, who is being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, remains in a fragile state but is not currently in life-threatening danger, according to his medical team.

“If the question is whether he is out of danger, the answer is no,” Dr. Sergio Alfieri stated. “But if you’re asking whether he is currently in life-threatening danger, the answer is also no.”

The Pope, 88, was admitted on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. His infection has been described as “complex” due to its polymicrobial nature, meaning multiple microorganisms are responsible.

While he can breathe on his own, doctors confirmed for the first time that he is receiving oxygen through a nasal tube.

Despite his condition, Francis has been able to get out of bed, sit in an armchair to work, and visit the hospital chapel. However, he is expected to remain at Gemelli for at least another week.

Doctors have warned that due to his age and history of lung complications—having had part of a lung removed in his youth—he remains vulnerable. “It would take very little for his condition to become unstable,” Dr. Luigi Carbone noted.

Speculation has arisen about a possible resignation, but Francis has previously dismissed the idea, calling it a “distant hypothesis.”

For now, all public engagements remain canceled, raising concerns about his ability to maintain his demanding schedule in the future.