The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has been critically ill for the past few weeks.
The Pope’s continued stay at the hospital has been a cause of concern for Christians across the globe, especially Catholics.
While Christians are earnestly praying for the pontiff’s recovery, rumours of his condition and imminent death are spiralling.
Here is a breakdown of the Pope’s health condition and the reports:
When the Pope was admitted:
The Holy Father was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, after experiencing breathing difficulties. The Pope, after the initial test, was diagnosed with bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia.
Ghanaian Catholic bishop, Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu, in a write-up on the pope’s condition, indicated that details from the Vatican show that the Pope is in a critical condition.
“His condition is described as stable, with recent blood tests showing a slight improvement in inflammatory markers. However, his health situation remains complex, as he is battling a polymicrobial respiratory infection that has complicated his treatment.
“His treatment includes antibiotics and corticosteroids to address the polymicrobial infection and pneumonia. Doctors have adjusted his therapy multiple times based on test results. A recent chest CT scan confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional medication,” he wrote.
History of the Pope’s Health:
Bishop Osei-Bonsu also shared a history of the Pope’s health, which showed that he has a history of respiratory issues, including pleurisy in his youth, which led to the removal of a part of his right lung in 1957 when he was a 21-year-old seminarian in Argentina.
“The surgery was necessitated by a severe respiratory infection that led to the formation of three cysts in his right lung. This condition caused him significant pain and required the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung. This makes him particularly vulnerable to lung infections,” he wrote.
The Ghanaian bishop also indicated that the Holy Father in recent years has faced multiple health challenges, including diverticulitis, knee pain, and mobility issues, often requiring the use of a wheelchair.
Alleged Preparations for the Pope’s Demise:
Reports indicated that the Pope told some people close to him that he “may not survive” his current health battle, which has led to rumours of the Swiss Guard, which is responsible for the security of the Pope, already preparing for Pope Francis’ funeral.
According to Swiss newspaper Blick, the guard has been rehearsing funeral protocols and is under a curfew.
Bishop Osei-Bonsu said that the reports on the funeral preparations have been fuelled by the Pope already choosing the place he wants to be buried.
“Probably adding fuel to these speculations are reports that Pope Francis has allegedly prepared his tomb, breaking with tradition by choosing to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore instead of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“This decision aligns with his frequent visits to the Basilica and his connection to its icon of the Virgin Mary. More recently, while in the Gemelli Hospital, reports suggest that he is preparing for the worst. According to sources close to the Pontiff, he has confided in aides about his serious condition, saying he ‘might not make it this time’,” the bishop wrote.
The Swiss Guard, however, has denied reports that it is rehearsing for a potential funeral, with Captain Christian Kühne, the Swiss Guard responsible for personnel, communication, and marketing, reportedly stating that there are no curfews or rehearsals for the Pope’s funeral and that the Guard continues to operate normally.
Latest Update on the Pope’s Health:
The latest update from the Vatican on the health of the leader of the Catholic Church dispels rumours of the Pontiff’s death. According to an update by Vatican News on Sunday, February 23, 2025, the leader of the Catholic Church remains in critical condition but has experienced no new respiratory crisis since the one he suffered previously.
The report indicated that the Pope was active and was even able to attend Mass on Sunday.
The Holy See Press Office provided the following updates:
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises.
He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his haemoglobin levels have risen.
The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.
High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.
The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented.
The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.
This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalisation.”
BAI/EK
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