ROME—Pope Francis continues to show remarkable improvement following his recent health scare with double pneumonia, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who managed his care during a five-week stay in the hospital. After being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital three days prior, the pope has been recuperating at the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence. Dr. Alfieri, who visited the pope, expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he believes Francis will regain up to 90% of his previous health and vitality.
Though the pope appeared fragile while addressing supporters from a hospital balcony, his condition has been steadily improving. Dr. Alfieri noted a strengthening of Francis’s voice and a reduction in his need for supplemental oxygen. Some limited mobility due to a trauma prior to his hospitalization will take more time to heal, according to Alfieri.
The 88-year-old pope was hospitalized on February 14th after battling a serious case of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, coupled with a complex polymicrobial respiratory infection. These issues were exacerbated by his history of lung surgery as a young man and his current limited mobility. Doctors addressed these challenges carefully, pointing out both the seriousness of his situation and the difficulty introduced by his frail health.
Dr. Alfieri reflected on a critical moment during the pope’s care when a decisive treatment was required that risked affecting other organs. The pope consented to the approach, understanding the potential impact on his kidneys and bone marrow. Despite these risks, no extraordinary life-extending measures were used.
While Francis has recovered from the pneumonia, he is still undergoing treatment for a fungal infection, which Alfieri noted could take months to resolve. Alongside medical treatment, the pope is also receiving physical therapy, as well as respiratory and speech therapy to aid his rehabilitation.
Dr. Alfieri remains in daily communication with the pope’s personal medical team and plans to continue weekly visits to the Vatican. During Alfieri’s recent visit, the pope displayed his usual sense of humor, joking about being mentally younger than his age.
Doctors have advised Pope Francis to rest for at least the next two months and to avoid large crowds to aid in his recovery. However, Alfieri cautioned that given the pope’s strong work ethic and recent improvements, measures might need to be taken to ensure he doesn’t overextend himself.