Pope Francis is receiving treatment for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain in hospital as long as necessary, the Vatican has announced.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday for treatment and tests related to bronchitis.
In a Monday update, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope has a “polymicrobial infection” affecting his respiratory tract, prompting adjustments to his treatment.
Before his admission, he had experienced bronchitis symptoms for several days and had delegated others to read his speeches at events.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the pontiff remains in good spirits.
“All tests conducted so far indicate a complex clinical picture requiring appropriate hospitalisation,” a Vatican statement read.
The Pope’s weekly general audience, typically held on Wednesdays, has been cancelled this week, with further updates on his condition expected later Monday.
Over the weekend, the Vatican described his condition as stable and confirmed he had been advised to rest completely.
On Sunday, the Pope was unable to deliver his usual weekly prayer in St Peter’s Square or lead a special mass for artists in preparation for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Last Wednesday, he asked a priest to read part of his speech due to illness-related difficulties.
Despite his health struggles, he continued holding meetings at his Vatican residence last week while attempting to rest.
He previously spent three nights at the same hospital in March 2023 for bronchitis treatment.
In December of that year, he cancelled his trip to the UAE for the COP28 climate summit due to illness.
The Pope has faced several health challenges throughout his life, including the removal of part of one lung at age 21.
