Pope Francis is currently receiving treatment for a “complex clinical situation” and will stay in the hospital as long as necessary, according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday for tests and treatment related to bronchitis.
On Monday, Vatican officials stated that the Pope is battling a “polymicrobial infection” in his respiratory tract, requiring adjustments to his treatment plan.
A later update confirmed that the Pope remains in stable condition without a fever and is following the prescribed treatment. Despite his hospitalization, he managed to do some reading and work on Monday.
“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours,” the Vatican said in a statement.
“He especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalised at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”
Before being admitted last week, the Pope had experienced bronchitis symptoms for several days and had assigned officials to read his prepared speeches at public events.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on Monday that the Pope remains in good spirits.
A brief statement about his condition read, “All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalisation.”
As a result, the Pope’s regular weekly general audience, normally scheduled for Wednesday, has been canceled this week.
Over the weekend, Vatican officials said the Pope was in stable condition and had been advised to take “complete rest” to support his recovery.
On Friday and Saturday, he engaged in a video call with the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli.
“We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well,” Fr Romanelli told Vatican News.
On Sunday, the priest received only a text message from the Pope, in which he thanked the parish for their well wishes.
Due to his illness, the Pope was unable to lead his traditional Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square or preside over a special mass for artists in honor of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Last week, he also conducted meetings from his Vatican residence in an effort to rest and regain strength.
People gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica have been sharing their good wishes for the Pope.
Bernard, an Australian who lives in England and is visiting Rome with his children, said, “We will say a prayer for the Pope.”
“They always take up the job when they’re already elderly. So yes, it’s often that they suffer medical issues as a result,” he told the BBC.
Rome resident Armando described the Pope as “a great soul” and “an inspiration for us all.”
“All the best, Pope. We are waiting for you back,” he said.
During his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been hospitalized multiple times and has dealt with various health challenges throughout his life. At age 21, he had part of one of his lungs removed.
In March 2023, he spent three nights in the hospital due to bronchitis, and in June of that year, he underwent a three-hour surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.
Another illness forced him to cancel his scheduled trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit in 2023.
In December of last year, he appeared with a noticeable bruise on his chin while presiding over a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica to install 21 new Catholic cardinals. The Vatican later explained that the injury was the result of a minor fall.
More recently, in January, he suffered another fall and injured his right arm, leading doctors to place it in a sling as a precaution.