By Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital as doctors adjust his treatment for a persistent respiratory tract infection. The Vatican announced on Monday that his condition is being closely monitored due to a “complex clinical situation” that requires an extended hospital stay.
The pontiff was admitted on Friday after battling the infection for over a week. Recent tests revealed a polymicrobial infection, prompting a modification in his therapy. “All tests conducted up to today are indicative of a complex clinical situation that will require an appropriate hospital stay,” the Vatican stated.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis remains stable and without fever, according to an evening update. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni did not specify whether the infection was bacterial or viral. A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections typically require supportive care. Polymicrobial infections, caused by multiple microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, or fungi—can be particularly challenging to manage.
Jesuit priest and medical doctor Rev. Dr. Andrea Vicini, speaking as an independent expert, noted that the Vatican’s confirmation of the pope eating breakfast suggested he was not on a respirator and remained strong enough to digest food.
While in the hospital, Pope Francis has continued his outreach, making calls to Gaza’s only Catholic parish. Father Gabriel Romanelli, a priest in Gaza and a fellow Argentine, recounted a video call with the pope on Saturday. “He told us, ‘I am not well,’ and you could see he was tired,” Romanelli told Italian broadcaster Rai. However, Francis remained optimistic, saying, “A few days in the hospital, and I’ll be back.” He even joked about being a difficult patient because of his constant activity.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis spent Monday reading and working, but his scheduled public appearances have been canceled, including his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday. His doctors had previously advised complete rest, preventing him from delivering his Sunday prayer or leading a special Mass for artists ahead of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has experienced multiple health issues in recent years. In his youth, he suffered from pleurisy and had part of one lung removed, making him more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Pilgrims gathered at the Vatican on Monday expressed their well-wishes. “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly,” said Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States. “He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.
