Tuesday, February 18, 2025 -Pope Francis is now being treated for a "complex clinical situation" and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has said.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on
Friday to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis.
In an update on Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff has a
"polymicrobial infection" of his respiratory tract, which has
required a change in his treatment.
Before his admission last week, the Pope had bronchitis symptoms for
several days and had delegated officials to read prepared speeches at events.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on Monday that the pontiff
was in good spirits.
A short statement on his condition said: "All tests carried out to
date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate
hospitalisation."
The pontiff's weekly general audience, which is usually held each
Wednesday, has been cancelled for this week, the statement added.
A further update on the Pope's condition would be released later on
Monday, Mr Bruni added.
Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and that he'd
been told to have "complete rest" to aid his recovery.
The Pope was unable to deliver his regular weekly prayer on Sunday in St
Peter's Square or lead a special mass for artists to mark the Catholic Church's
Jubilee Year.
Last Wednesday, the Pope asked a priest to read part of his speech
because of his difficulties with illness.
He also held meetings at his Vatican residence last week in an attempt
to rest and recover.
He previously spent three nights at the same hospital in March 2023 for
bronchitis treatment.
In December the same year, he was forced to cancel his trip to the
United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit because of another bout of
illness.
He has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life,
including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.
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