Pope Francis is currently being treated for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain in hospital for as long as required, the Vatican has declared.
The 88-year-old was brought to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday to undergo treatment and testing for bronchitis.
The Pope has a “polymicrobial infection” of his respiratory tract, which has necessitated a modification in his medication, the Vatican stated in an update on Monday.
The Pope had been suffering from bronchitis for a few days prior to his hospitalization last week, and officials had been reading prepared addresses at events.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, assured reporters Monday that the pope was in a good mood.
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 message also said that this week’s weekly general audience of the pope, which typically takes place on Wednesdays, has been canceled.
Mr. Bruni stated that more information regarding the Pope’s health would be made public later on Monday.
The Vatican declared over the weekend that the Pope was stable and that he had been instructed to get “complete rest” in order to speed up his recuperation.
The Pope was unable to lead a special liturgy for artists to commemorate the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year or offer his weekly prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Due to his health issues, the Pope asked a priest to read a portion of his speech on Wednesday.
He also held meetings at his Vatican home last week in an effort to recuperate.
He has experienced a number of health problems throughout his life, including having a portion of one lung removed at the age of 21, and in March 2023, he spent three nights at the same hospital receiving treatment for bronchitis.
In December of the same year, he had to postpone his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to another illness.
We pray for divine heal for the pope and better health in Jesus name. Amen.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli