Pope Francis' condition has worsened as his bronchitis evolved into a more complex infection, prompting speculation about his future and the potential for a papal conclave. Despite this, the Pope has been actively pushing for his reform agenda, appointing key allies and making history with his recent appointment of the first female Governor of Vatican City. His hospitalization underscores the fragility of his health and the significance of this moment in the Catholic Church's history.
Pope Francis ' health has taken a concerning turn as his bronchitis has progressed into a 'polymicrobial infection,' leading to a more 'complex clinical picture,' according to his physicians. Insiders suggest that the reform-minded Pontiff is 'seriously worried' about his prognosis, prompting him to accelerate his reform agenda in anticipation of a potential conclave to choose his successor.
Confidants of the Pope revealed to Politico that the leader of the Catholic Church has been enduring 'intense pain' as a result of the infection. The 88-year-old has also reportedly expressed 'fears' regarding his chances of recovery. Due to medical advice, the Pope notably missed delivering his regular Sunday address and is now strictly adhering to 'doctor's orders.' Hospitalized last Friday at Gemelli Hospital in Rome's respiratory unit, the Pope's treatment has been adjusted as his health declined. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni has not provided an estimated recovery period but has conveyed that the Pope 'will require an appropriate hospital stay,' reports the Mirror. In recent weeks, Pope Francis has been determined to solidify his progressive legacy in light of his deteriorating health. He has appointed reform-minded allies to key positions, including Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first-ever female Governor of Vatican City on Friday, as his health worsened. At the beginning of February, with a potential conclave to decide his successor in mind, he extended the term of ally Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as the dean of the College of Cardinals - a role that oversees the preparations for selecting a new pope. This could suggest that Francis' successor may continue his reform-minded approach, adopting a more liberal stance on women in the church and LGBT issues.As one 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 hospitalization as a pivotal moment in his leadership. Another official commented: '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 admitted to hospital since his election in 2013. Pope Francis has long dealt with health challenges throughout his life. As a young man, a pulmonary infection led to the removal of most of one lung, and since then, he has faced recurring winter bouts of bronchitis. More recently, he underwent the removal of part of his large intestine in 2021. At times, knee ligament issues have required him to use a wheelchair or a cane for mobility. On Monday, the Holy See issued a statement calling for Catholics to offer prayers for their pontiff. The statement said: '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.' On the same day, from his hospital bed, Pope Francis extended a warm welcome to artists and pilgrims gathering in the holy city ahead of several cultural events. However, he regretted not being able to meet them in person, explaining: '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.' He also took a moment to express gratitude to the doctors and healthcare workers at the hospital: 'I would like to thank the doctors and healthcare workers in this hospital for their care: they do such a valuable and tiring job'
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