Pope Francis’ condition deteriorated on Monday as doctors confirmed his bronchitis has developed into a “polymicrobial infection” causing a “complex clinical picture”. According to reports, the pontiff is gravely concerned he may not survive, and is hastily cementing his legacy by implementing reforms before the potential emergence of a conclave to elect a new head for the Catholic Church.
Sources revealed to Politico that the Pope had been experiencing “intense pain” from the infection and privately shared “expressed fears” of not overcoming his current ill-health. Having already skipped his usual Sunday address due to medical advice, it’s understood that the Pope is now strictly adhering to “doctor’s orders.”
Last Friday, he was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital’s respiratory ward, with recent days seeing a shift in treatment as his situation grew more serious.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has remained tight-lipped about the timeline for recovery, only mentioning a necessary hospitalisation period.
In recent weeks, the Pope, who is the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, has been keen to cement his progressive legacy amid deteriorating health, appointing reform-minded allies to key positions. On Friday, as his health declined further, he made history by appointing Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first-ever female Governor of Vatican City, reports the Mirror.
At the beginning of February, with a potential conclave looming to decide his successor, he also extended the term of ally Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as the dean of the College of Cardinals – a role that oversees preparations for selecting a new pope. This could indicate that Francis’ successor may continue his reformist approach, adopting a more liberal stance on women in the church and LGBT issues.
A Vatican source told Politico: “The run-up to the conclave is more important as that’s where lobbying goes on.”
Even if Francis recovers from his current infection, insiders view his hospitalisation as a pivotal moment in his leadership. Another official stated: “He may not die now but of course he eventually will. We all die – and he’s an 88-year-old man with lung problems.”
This marks the fourth time that the Pontifex Maximus, a title held by the papacy since the Roman Empire, has been hospitalised since his election in 2013.
Pope Francis has struggled with his health throughout his life. He had a significant portion of one lung removed in his youth due to a pulmonary infection and has since endured recurring bouts of bronchitis during the winter months.
In 2021, he underwent surgery to remove part of his large intestine. Additionally, he has occasionally relied on a wheelchair or cane because of issues with his knee ligaments.
On Monday, the Holy See issued a statement requesting prayers for the Pope. It read: “Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours; he especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalized at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”
From his hospital bed on the same day, Pope Francis extended a welcome to artists and pilgrims arriving in the holy city for a series of cultural events.
However, he expressed regret for being unable to greet them personally. The Holy Father stated: “I would have liked to be among you but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis.
“I would like to thank the doctors and healthcare workers in this hospital for their care: they do such a valuable and tiring job”.