He can barely speak, has to relearn how to speak and cannot receive groups or take part in events due to the risk of infection, Politi said in an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper (online Wednesday evening).
"He is not used to this, because he is a man of communication, words and gestures."
The journalist explained that the fact that Francis was no longer able to present his impulses himself was "agonising" for him.
"It's different from writing."
Yet Francis still wanted to achieve something, said Politi.
He referred to the implementation of the final document of the World Synod and the planned ecclesial assembly at the end of 2028, adding that no one knows whether the Pope will regain the strength to govern normally in the coming months.
But: "As long as Francis is able to read documents and listen to what is happening in the world, he will be good for surprises."