Pope Francis is severely ill, according to the Vatican's statement.

Pope Francis Battles Complex Infection in Gemelli Hospital

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has been hospitalized for a week due to a complex lung infection. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of medicine and surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, the pope is currently in critical condition.

The pope's medical team has diagnosed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection in Pope Francis. He is receiving a combination of cortisone, antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen to aid his recovery. Doctors have confirmed that regardless of his recovery, Pope Francis will still have to manage his ongoing respiratory issues.

Pope Francis has missed his traditional Sunday noon blessing for the second week in a row due to his illness. Beyond his current health situation, Pope Francis continues to carry on with his institutional and private commitments at the Vatican, as acknowledged by Dr. Carbone and Francis' personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti.

The Vatican's Holy Year celebrations are ongoing without the physical presence of Pope Francis. Deacons are gathering at the Vatican for their special Jubilee weekend, with the Holy Year organizer set to celebrate Sunday's Mass in Pope Francis' place.

Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, has stated that although Pope Francis is not physically present, he is still in their hearts and accompanying them through their prayers. The deacon's sentiments were echoed by many, as people around the world continue to pray for the pope's speedy recovery.

The pope's medical team has warned about the risk of sepsis, a serious infection of the blood. Dr. Alfieri has explained that the risk in Pope Francis' case is that germs currently located in his respiratory system could pass into his bloodstream, causing sepsis. Pope Francis is aware of the danger he is in and has asked his medical team to relay this message.

The Vatican carried on with its Holy Year celebrations without the pope, with various events and masses taking place as scheduled. Despite his absence, the spirit of Pope Francis' message and teachings were felt throughout the celebrations.

As Pope Francis continues his battle against pneumonia and his complex respiratory infection, the world waits with bated breath for news of his recovery. His resilience and dedication to his duties, even in the face of adversity, serve as a inspiration to many.