Health Fears Mount as Pope Francis Remains in Hospital
Pope Francis, aged 88, remains hospitalised at Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, the Vatican announced on Monday. This condition, involving multiple microorganisms, has led to a modification in his treatment plan and necessitates an extended hospital stay.
The pontiff was admitted on Friday after a week-long struggle with bronchitis that worsened. Despite initial reports of stability, recent tests have revealed a more complex clinical picture. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that all tests indicate a situation requiring appropriate hospitalisation.
Throughout his hospitalisation, Pope Francis has maintained some of his routines, including making daily phone calls to the Holy Family Church in Gaza. However, the Vatican has canceled his general audience scheduled for Wednesday, and future engagements remain uncertain.
Pope Francis has a history of health challenges, including the removal of part of his lung in his youth due to a respiratory infection, making him more susceptible to such illnesses. In recent years, he has faced multiple hospitalisations and surgeries, including treatment for bronchitis in 2023 and abdominal surgery in 2021 and 2023. Mobility issues have also arisen, leading him to use a wheelchair or walking stick during public appearances.
The Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for the Pope's discharge, emphasising that his hospital stay will continue as long as necessary to address the complex nature of his condition.
Image: Jeffrey Bruno/Wikimedia Commons
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