Pope Francis is now into the third week of his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia. According to the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff is in stable condition but does not seem to show marked improvement, raising concerns about his overall health.

Current Condition and Treatment

The pope spent a significant part of his time in the hospital chapel on Friday, engaging in prayer and minimal work while receiving both respiratory and physical therapy. He relies on a high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day and utilizes a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at nighttime, indicating the seriousness of his respiratory issues.

Expert Opinions

Medical professionals not involved in Francis’ care expressed concerns about his ongoing condition. Dr. Andrew Chadwick, a respiratory and intensive care specialist from Oxford University Hospitals, remarked, “He’s had respiratory failure and they were not able to liberate him from the hospital in the first three weeks. This does look concerning, perhaps more than it did at the beginning.”

Dr. Jeffrey Millstein from the University of Pennsylvania emphasized the precarious nature of the pontiff’s condition. “It wasn’t shocking that Francis hasn’t improved in three weeks,” Dr. Millstein noted, adding that any progress, no matter how small, would be beneficial. “As long as he is dealing with the current issues and he’s just making incremental progress, that would be great.”

A Public Message

In a rare public address on Thursday, Pope Francis released an audio message broadcasted to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the evening rosary. His vocal struggles hinted at his weakened state as he thanked people for their prayers: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square,” he conveyed.

This heartfelt message served multiple purposes, reaffirming his connection to supporters while dispelling various conspiracy theories regarding his health. The Vatican revealed that Francis requested to record the message to express gratitude toward his well-wishers.

Health History and Future Concerns

Pope Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease and underwent lung surgery as a young man, has shown significant resilience. However, the Vatican has indicated that he is at an increased risk of secondary infections the longer he remains hospital-bound. The progression from bronchitis to respiratory tract infection and now double pneumonia has left many speculating about the implications for his papacy.