LONDON—It has been three weeks since Pope Francis, aged 88, was admitted to the hospital with complications linked to bronchitis, which escalated to double pneumonia. His local medical team administered treatments for a complex lung infection, and he faced several respiratory crises, needing mechanical assistance to breathe. While much of his condition has stabilized, healthcare professionals not involved in his care assert that the pope’s journey to recovery might still hold challenges ahead.
Francis was initially hospitalized on February 14 after enduring weeks of exacerbating bronchitis, which had significantly impaired his voice. Not long afterward, authorities from the Vatican revealed he needed precise medical care for a complex respiratory infection. Soon, the infection evolved into pneumonia in both lungs, necessitating a regimen of steroids and antibiotics, among other treatments.
Dr. Andrew Chadwick, a respiratory and intensive care specialist at Oxford University Hospitals, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, especially considering the pope’s age. “He’s an 88-year-old who’s been in hospital care for an extended period,” Chadwick commented. “This duration underlines the health crisis he is navigating.”
While the medical team attending to Pope Francis states he is in stable condition, they maintain a cautious prognosis. Their concerns deepen due to the frequency of respiratory challenges he’s encountered, as noted by Dr. Meredith McCormack from Johns Hopkins University, suggesting an intense case of pneumonia that demands sustained support.
Although Vatican officials have reported a stabilization since his last respiratory incident earlier this week, prolonged hospital stays in older patients carry increased risks of additional complications such as infections or pressure sores.
Nevertheless, there remains some room for cautious optimism. Dr. Jeffrey Millstein from the University of Pennsylvania finds it encouraging that the pope hasn’t required a mechanical ventilator—a critical measure usually reserved when less invasive breathing support is insufficient. Additionally, the Vatican released an audio clip of the pope expressing gratitude for well-wishes, a positive indication according to McCormack that he can still communicate effectively.
Recovery, however, is expected to be a slow and lengthy process. Experts like Dr. Eric Schmidt of Massachusetts General Hospital highlight that severe pneumonia can have wide-ranging physical repercussions beyond the lungs, potentially affecting cognitive function and overall physical strength.
As Pope Francis progresses, hopeful signs will be a transition from acute medical care to rehabilitative therapy. Current updates indicate he is undergoing physical therapy to enhance mobility alongside the respiratory therapy to improve breathing. Chadwick warns that even with a remarkable recovery, the pope would require substantial rehabilitation time and might need to reduce his regular responsibilities temporarily.
