CV NEWS FEED // The Pope’s medical team stated in a Feb. 21 press conference that although the Pope is no longer in danger of death, he is not fully out of danger and will need to stay in the hospital for at least another week to continue treatment for double pneumonia.
According to Vatican News, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of Pope Francis’ medical team, said the Pope is no longer on a ventilator, but the continuation of his respiratory issues limits his physical movements.
However, the Pope is sitting up in a chair, working, and joking, Dr. Alfieri added. When a doctor entered the room and greeted him by saying, “Hello, Holy Father,” the Pope responded, “Hello, Holy Son.”
Dr. Alfieri and Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice-director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, stated that their greatest concern is the risk of sepsis, which could occur if the germs in his lungs enter his bloodstream.
Dr. Alfieri also stated that he is confident that the Pope will eventually be able to leave the hospital for Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican; however, he added, the Holy Father will still continue to struggle with chronic respiratory issues.
Catholic News Service Rome reported on X that during the press conference, the doctors also stated that Pope Francis spent 20 minutes in the hospital’s chapel.
#PopeFrancis spent 20 minutes in chapel at Rome's Gemelli hospital this afternoon, his doctors say. He needs to be in the hospital, he still has double pneumonia and will be in the hospital at least another week. "If we let him go home, he'll start working like before" pic.twitter.com/kHtRCvZLuU
— Catholic News Service Rome (@CatholicNewsSvc) February 21, 2025
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