Health crisis in the Vatican: Pope Francis fights for improvement

Health crisis in the Vatican: Pope Francis fights for improvement

The health state of Pope Francis shows according to the Gemelli-Hilzenhaus in Rome. However, the 88-year-old continues to suffer from severe pneumonia that has been holding him in the university clinic for two weeks. The doctors state that Francis receives oxygen physiotherapy and is supplied with oxygen via a breathing mask.

The Pope has medical support in the form of cortisone, and its blood values have improved. He has no longer had any major breathing incidents since last weekend, which is considered a positive sign. Nevertheless, it remains unlikely that further days are necessary for the full stability in the hospital.

Current developments and challenges

The Pope's diagnosis includes a pneumonia on both sides and a polymic -like infection of the respiratory tract, which is classified as complex and difficult to treat. In view of his age, doctors warn of the danger of the disease; His state of health was described as "actually quite critical", even if the doctors emphasize that the situation is not hopeless. Nevertheless, he does not remain out of life, as the ZDF reports.

The Pope has not acted in public for a long time during his hospital stay. On Thursday he received physiotherapy twice and received communion. His planned call to a consistory that deals with questions of canonizations has triggered speculation about his state of health and possible resignation. However, the Vatican has denied corresponding withdrawal speculations.

reactions and speculations in the Vatican

Prayers for Pope Francis take place in the Catholic community these days, especially in the evening before St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re expressed the wish that the Pope can soon resume his apostolic service. However, this is the longest hospital stay of Francis in its almost twelve -year term, which increases concern about his state of health. The health status remains tense, while the forecast of the doctors is reserved.

The speculative atmosphere for the Pope's possible resignation increases in the church. Some cardinals have also commented on this. Marco Politi, a Vaticanist, describes doubting voices about the direction in which the church will go under the direction of Francis in the future. The tensions between the Franziskus camp and conservative bishops, especially in the United States, are strengthening the discussions about the future orientation of the Catholic Church.

Francis, who will be Pope for 12 years next March, has explained in the past that he could consider resigning if his health problems require this. His isolation on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Clinic and the absence of visits increase the concern about its state of health and the future management of the church.