posted 17th February 2025
Pope Francis Receiving Treatment for 'Complex Clinical Condition' in Hospital- BBC
Pope Francis is being treated for a "complex clinical condition" and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has confirmed.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday for treatment and tests related to bronchitis.
In an update on Monday, the Vatican stated that the pontiff has a "polymicrobial infection" affecting his respiratory tract, necessitating a change in his treatment.
Before his hospital admission last week, the Pope had been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days and had delegated officials to read prepared speeches on his behalf at events.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on Monday that the pontiff remained in good spirits.
A brief statement on his condition read: "All tests carried out to date indicate a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalisation."
The pontiff's weekly general audience, usually held on Wednesdays, has been cancelled for this week, the statement added.
Mr Bruni also said a further update on the Pope’s condition would be provided later on Monday.
Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and had been advised to have "complete rest" to support his recovery.
As a result, he was unable to deliver his regular Sunday prayer 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 due to difficulties caused by his illness.
He also held meetings at his Vatican residence last week in an effort to rest and recover.
Members of the public gathered outside St Peter’s Basilica have been expressing their well wishes for the Pope.
Bernard, an Australian living in England and visiting Rome with his children, said: "We will say a prayer for the Pope."
"They always take on the role when they are already elderly, so it's common for them to face 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 to return," he said.
The Argentine pontiff has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years.
He previously spent three nights in the same hospital in March 2023 for bronchitis treatment.
In December that year, he was forced to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to another bout of illness.
Pope Francis has experienced a number of health issues throughout his life, including the removal of part of one of his lungs at the age of 21.
