Pope Francis remains hospitalized with pneumonia, and while his condition has improved slightly, doctors have warned that he is “not out of danger” yet.
Professor Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating the 88-year-old pontiff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, provided an update on Friday, confirming that Francis is not hooked up to any machines and is even cracking jokes.
“The question is, is the pope out of danger? No, the pope is not out of danger,” Alfieri told reporters, adding that Francis would likely remain in the hospital “at least all next week.”
The Pope was admitted on February 14 with breathing difficulties, initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia, sparking widespread concern.
Alfieri noted that keeping Francis in the hospital is essential to ensure a proper recovery. “If we send him to Santa Marta (his Vatican residence), he’ll start working again as before. So we’re keeping him here,” he said.
Doctors are monitoring his progress closely, aiming to prevent any further complications before he is discharged.