Pope Francis Hospitalized: Updates on His Health and Ongoing Treatments
Pope Francis will remain in the hospital for as long as necessary following recent tests that revealed a complex medical condition, according to a statement from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Friday due to worsening bronchitis and subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection.
The Vatican clarified that recent test results indicated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has necessitated changes to his treatment plan. A polymicrobial infection refers to infections caused by two or more microorganisms, which may include bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The statement confirmed that all tests conducted up to this point reflect a complicated clinical picture that will require extended hospitalization.
As a result of his health condition, the Pope's general audience scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled, and further updates are expected later on Monday.
In an organizational context, since October 9, 2023, Pope Francis has maintained his nightly routine of making telephone calls to the Holy Family Church in Gaza. Despite his hospitalization, he was in good spirits during calls on Friday and Saturday, as reported by a church manager interviewed by TgCom24 news channel. While his voice was slightly tired, he was concerned about the well-being of others. However, he took a break from calling on Sunday to rest.
Previously, on Friday morning, the Pope held several meetings before his hospitalization, including one with Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN News. Reports indicated that while the Pope was mentally alert during the meeting, he faced challenges speaking for extended durations due to breathing difficulties.
Pope Francis has a history of health issues. Earlier this year, in March 2023, he was hospitalized for acute bronchitis but expressed relief upon discharge, stating simply, "I am still alive." He also underwent health checks at the Gemelli in June and had been readmitted in February 2024 after experiencing what he described as a mild cold.
Earlier in his life, while training to become a priest in Argentina, the Pope had part of his lung removed. Additionally, he underwent a colon operation in June 2021. Due to sciatic nerve pain and knee issues, he has frequently been seen in a wheelchair or using a walking stick. In recent months, he faced several accidents including a fall in December that resulted in a chin injury and another fall in January that led to an injury to his right forearm. Moreover, in February, he stumbled after his walking stick broke while he was entering an auditorium at the Vatican.
As the world watches closely, Pope Francis’ health continues to be a point of concern among followers. The Vatican assures that they will provide timely updates as his treatment progresses.
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