Pope Francis has reportedly told his aides that he may not be able to survive a case of pneumonia.
The pontiff has been hospitalised since last week after doctors reportedly told him he was at risk of dying if he stayed at the Vatican.
The Pope was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday with significant chest pain.
Before then, he had resisted calls to leave the Vatican for days.
Doctors at the hospital diagnosed him with a ‘complex’ respiratory infection and barred him from taking part in several engagements.
The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that “Chest X-rays, laboratory tests, and the pontiff’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture” .
The statement claims that because the Pope had a portion of his lung removed many years ago, the infection is more concerning.
According to a report by Politico, Francis told two confidants close to him that he ‘might not make it this time’.
The report added that Pope has taken steps in recent weeks to “tie up loose ends” and guarantee the continuance of his legacy at a time when the Catholic Church is politically vulnerable.
