Doctors treating Pope Francis for a respiratory tract infection have modified his treatment to tackle a “complex clinical situation,” the Vatican announced on Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff will remain hospitalized for as long as necessary.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to a brief statement, the results of recent tests have revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, prompting the change in treatment. The Vatican described the clinical picture as “complex,” requiring an extended hospital stay.
Pope Francis has been suffering from a respiratory infection for over a week and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that the pontiff is “in good spirits.”
The Vatican has cancelled the pope’s planned weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square, set for Wednesday, due to his continued hospitalization. The pope’s doctors have ordered complete rest, and Francis was unable to deliver his regular weekly prayer on Sunday or lead a special Mass for artists.
Pilgrims visiting the Vatican on Monday offered their hopes for the pope’s swift recovery. “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly,” said Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States. “He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.”
The pope continued to carry out his duties while hospitalized, making phone calls to speak with members of a Catholic parish in Gaza over the weekend.