Latest Update on Pope Francis's Health: This Is What Doctors Fear

The Pope's health condition has caused great concern among the doctors attending to him, who consider his situation more delicate than in previous hospitalizations. Although his condition is described as "stable," he is in a critical condition, indicating that the treatments administered—based on antibiotics and antifungals—haven't achieved significant improvements so far.

The Supreme Pontiff is experiencing severe respiratory difficulties and is facing opportunistic infections affecting a body weakened by severe immunosuppression, which has led to bilateral pneumonia.

A Weakened Immune System

Immunosuppression is a condition in which the immune system loses the ability to defend the body against infections. This state is especially concerning in older people as it makes them more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and fungi present in the environment.

Medical Analyses and Risk of Complications

The analyses conducted on samples from his respiratory tract, whose results arrived last Friday, confirmed a polymicrobial infection, meaning the simultaneous presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The latter are responsible for opportunistic infections, which mainly affect patients with compromised immune systems.

The main concern of specialists is the risk of complications, as infections can compromise the functioning of vital organs. Bilateral pneumonia, which had already affected the Pope in the past, is especially risky. This is because in the 1980s he underwent surgery in which a lung lobe was removed.

Additionally, he is receiving treatment with corticosteroids to control the inflammation of his respiratory tract, which could influence the progression of the disease.

The Fear of Sepsis

Doctors also warn about the risk of sepsis. It is a serious complication in which the microorganisms present in the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, with potentially fatal consequences.

In recent days, the Pope has shown respiratory difficulties in public events, where he has been seen interrupting readings and showing signs of fatigue. The cold weather hasn't favored his recovery either, increasing the uncertainty about his progression in the coming days.