Pope Francis hospitalised for a week, doctors optimistic
Pope Francis will remain in hospital for at least a week, doctors from the Gemelli Clinic have reported. They added that the Pope's life is not in danger.
During a press conference at the Gemelli Clinic, Pope Francis's doctors, Professor Sergio Alfieri and Luigi Carbone, stated that the Pope would remain in the hospital for at least a week, even though his life was not in danger.
The doctors emphasised that Francis felt better than when he was admitted.
Francis, who is 88 years old, is battling bilateral pneumonia. The doctors noted that although his condition is currently improving, the situation may change due to the large amount of medication he is taking. Prof. Alfieri emphasised that the Pope's heart is strong. - Francis must overcome the infection, he stated.
When asked why there is no photo of the Pope in the hospital room so far, the doctor asked for respect for his privacy. - Francis is not dressed in papal attire - he added.
The greatest threat to the Pope at his age would be germs entering the bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis. Fortunately, as Prof. Alfieri pointed out, there is currently no such risk, even though the lungs are infected. - The Pope has always wanted us to tell him the truth, he added.
The Pope jokes with medical staff and visits the hospital chapel
Despite being hospitalised, the Pope remains active. He reads, works, and signs documents without being connected to machines. The doctors noted his good humour and his jokes with the medical staff. He recounted that when he greeted Francis by saying, "Good morning, Holy Father," the Pope replied, "Good morning, holy son."
The doctors also reported that Francis visited the hospital chapel for prayer.
