Click image above for the official English version of the Press Release

Summary by Br. Alexis Bugnolo

Note, that the Italian Original has much more information. Here is an English translation of the Italian. For those who want the 1 minute summary, in my own words:

The Pope’s Doctors insist he is being given the correct treatment, even though they admit his situation is precarious and easily made worse by multiple factors. They have risked giving him Cortisone even though they know it reduces immune response. The Pope is being given a variety of medicines, including antibiotics, but is suffering from a complex infection of the lungs, which can be contained but not cured. He will remain in hospital as long as is needed, so that he can return safely to the Vatican, and as far as they can determine, he requires at least one more week in hospital. All press releases were made with the consent of the Medical Staff and Pope Francis’ decision to keep information sparse but essential. There is a risk of sepsis, which if it were to occur would be difficult if not impossible to stop. So far Pope Francis is not experiencing any bacterial infection of his blood, but they remain concerned.

Commentary

Everything about his medical condition has been confirmed, including the danger of sepsis and the use of cortisone, as I reported yesterday morning. The pope is not going to get well quickly, because of the real danger that he can get worse and because of his persistent life-long lung issues. It does not seem we will get more information but tid-bits going forward, but now that the names of the Doctors caring for Pope Francis have been given, I think the Medical Team is at last confident that he will live. It seems doubtful that he will ever be able to resume his busy schedule as before, since at the Vatican much of those activities are conducted in poorly heated rooms or outside and in the presence of persons who could easily transmit other infections to those with weak immune systems.

His Renunciation is now, nearly certain

The result is, that I believe there will be increased counsel from friends and Cardinals that Pope Francis recognize that he will need to abdicate and care for his health, while limiting himself to the ministry of a Bishop Emeritus of Rome, without a demanding schedule.

We Catholics who have the Faith can see in this the work of the Divine Providence, Which while blessing those who participated in the Sutri Initiative, has responded to the unwillingness of the Bishops to act out of fraternal charity, by checkmating Pope Francis on the biological level. The Pope is now caught between his desire to be active and the center of attention, with the real risk of death and return to a relapse if he does.

At the same time, because of his real health situation being known, there will be increasing pressure from all sides that he renounce.  First from those who really care for him. Second, from the Cardinals who know that the Vatican will spin out of control without the presence of a Pope. Third, from the Secretary of State who will emphasize that the duties of state require that a Pope be available for all eventualities and keep his commitments to pastoral visits and receiving Heads of State. Fourth, from the Mayor of Rome, who will understand immediately that without a Pope present for the Jubilee year the 10s of millions spent for its preparation will go to waste and businessmen will be ruined as pilgrims cancel their trips, having lost hope of seeing the Pope in person. And fifth from all those clergy and laity who realize that Pope Francis has burnt through his moral credibility as a leader and that a change is needed. — None of these persons hate Pope Francis, but all of them are prudent people on the supernatural or natural levels.

Against this is the stubbornness of an old man. When he will concede or if he will die trying not to concede they are right, God alone knows. But as an anthropologist, I think he will be led to renounce this spring, if his health is still precarious by Easter. Maybe as soon as the Feast of Saint Joseph, whose name he wanted added to the Canon and who is Patron Protector of the Church, since such important acts are usually done on important feast days. That way Pope Francis can make a big fan fare of the event, and receive one last standing ovation from a large multitude willing to see him as Pope one last time.