Sepsis Threat Looms in Pope Francis’ Pneumonia Amid Holy Year Events/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis remains hospitalized with pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection as Vatican Holy Year celebrations proceed without him. Doctors warn that sepsis is the main threat, though there is currently no evidence of it. Francis, 88, is responding to treatment but remains in a critical recovery phase.
Pope Francis Health Crisis Quick Looks
- Pope Francis hospitalized since February 14 with pneumonia and respiratory infection
- Doctors warn of potential sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection, but no current signs detected
- Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations continue, with deacons gathering for Jubilee weekend
- Pope expected to miss Sunday Mass and traditional noon blessing for the second consecutive weekend
- Francis urged to rest but initially resisted hospitalization due to commitments
- Recovery expected to be prolonged with chronic lung issues persisting post-hospitalization
- Church leaders and faithful offer prayers and support amid the pope’s health battle
Sepsis Threat Looms in Pope Francis’ Pneumonia Amid Holy Year Events
Deep Look
ROME — As Vatican Holy Year celebrations continued Saturday, Pope Francis remained hospitalized with pneumonia and a complicated respiratory infection that doctors described as “touch-and-go.” The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after battling worsening bronchitis, which evolved into a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal infection affecting both lungs.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that Francis “slept well” overnight, offering a brief glimmer of reassurance. However, his medical team cautioned that the primary danger remains the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise from pneumonia and pose a serious risk, especially in elderly patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“He is not out of danger,” warned Dr. Luigi Carbone, Francis’ personal physician. “In fragile patients like him, stability can shift rapidly.” While no signs of sepsis have emerged so far, Carbone stressed the importance of vigilance. Sepsis, if it develops, can lead to organ failure and be fatal.
Francis has long dealt with chronic lung disease, a condition that complicates his current recovery. Doctors initially tried to manage the illness at the Vatican, respecting his desire to continue working despite his deteriorating health. However, as the infection spread and symptoms worsened, his team, led by Carbone and personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti, decided hospitalization was essential.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine and surgery at Gemelli hospital, emphasized that the greatest risk is the potential spread of germs from the lungs into the bloodstream. “Sepsis, combined with his respiratory problems and age, is a significant danger,” Alfieri explained during a Friday press conference. “He knows the risks, and he asked us to communicate that clearly.”
Despite the pope’s absence, the Vatican’s Holy Year events continued as scheduled. The Holy Year, celebrated every 25 years, draws pilgrims worldwide to renew their faith. This weekend’s focus was on deacons, a ministry that often precedes priestly ordination. Francis was originally set to preside over Sunday Mass, but organizers confirmed another church leader will step in.
Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, expressed solidarity with the ailing pontiff: “Even though he’s not physically here, he’s with us in spirit. Our prayers and his are united.”
The pope is also expected to forgo his traditional Sunday noon blessing for the second straight week. While he could have delivered it from the hospital if he felt strong enough, Vatican officials opted to prioritize his rest.
Looking ahead, doctors expect a prolonged recovery. Even after being discharged, Francis will need to manage chronic respiratory challenges, a reality that will require adjustments to his demanding schedule.
“He must overcome this infection,” Alfieri noted, “but the underlying respiratory issues will remain.”
The Vatican has not offered a timeline for his return to regular duties, emphasizing that his health will guide all decisions. Meanwhile, faithful Catholics around the world continue to pray for the pope’s recovery, hoping that the leader who has inspired millions will soon regain his strength.
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