AFTER Reports Of Pope Francis’ Death, SEE What Vatican Revealed That Shocked Everyone
The Vatican has made needed clarification following recent rumours of Pope Francis’ alleged death which has once again become a topic of concern. The 87- year- old pontiff has a long history of medical problems, particularly concerning his respiratory system. His latest hospitalisation on 14 February 2025 at Rome’ s Gemelli Hospital— one of Italy’ s most renowned medical institutions— was due to a respiratory infection, later identified as bilateral pneumonia.
A History Of Health Challenges
Pope Francis has faced multiple health issues over the years, many of which stem from his respiratory system. In 1957, as a teenager, he had a portion of one lung removed due to a severe infection. Despite this, he never took up smoking and even ordered a ban on cigarette sales in the Vatican’ s duty- free shops in 2018.
In 2023, he was hospitalised with pneumonia, and in previous years, he also underwent abdominal surgery to remove part of his colon. These past medical conditions have left him more vulnerable to infections, particularly in the lungs.
Understanding The Pope’ s Current Condition
Doctors have diagnosed Pope Francis with bilateral pneumonia, which affects both lungs. Unlike pneumonia confined to one lung, bilateral pneumonia is more severe and can be harder to recover from, especially for elderly patients with a history of respiratory issues.
The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope is receiving broad- spectrum antibiotics to fight the infection. While pneumonia can lead to sepsis— a potentially life- threatening condition where the body’ s immune response causes organ damage— the pontiff is reportedly non- septic at this time.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body, leading to dangerously low blood pressure, organ dysfunction, and sometimes death. The condition often presents with a high fever and reduced heart and kidney function.
Fortunately, since Pope Francis has been under medical care for several days and is responding to antibiotics, his risk of developing sepsis has significantly decreased.
Why Is The Pope On Oxygen?
The Pope is currently receiving high- flow oxygen through a nasal cannula— a device that delivers additional oxygen to aid breathing. While this treatment is necessary for respiratory decompensation (breathing difficulties), it is not as aggressive as CPAP therapy or mechanical ventilation.
Medical experts suggest that the fact that he is not on a ventilator is a positive sign, as it indicates he is not in a critical state. However, the reason for his blood transfusions and low platelet count remains unclear.
Reports Of Additional Complications
Over the weekend, the Pope reportedly suffered an asthmatic episode, which was treated with oxygen and bronchodilators. Pneumonia can exacerbate asthma symptoms, but in his case, the attack appears to have been managed effectively.
Watch video here
Meanwhile, speculation about kidney failure has sparked widespread concern. However, Vatican sources clarify that the Pope’ s kidney function is only mildly impaired, possibly due to low blood volume or dehydration. His condition seems to be improving with blood transfusions, and as long as his urine output remains stable, his kidneys should not pose a major risk to his recovery.
What Is The Pope’ s Prognosis?
While his exact prognosis remains unknown, reports from Italian media suggest that Pope Francis is stable and in good spirits. He has been reading newspapers and reportedly had a successful night of rest.
Though discussions about his potential successors have emerged, Vatican sources indicate that he remains fully conscious and actively engaged in his responsibilities.
While the Pope is not entirely out of danger, medical experts suggest that his current state is not critical. As long as he continues to respond to treatment, there remains hope for his recovery.