Pope Francis is treated for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain in the hospital as long as necessary, said the Vatican.
The 88 year old man was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday To undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis.
On Monday, the Vatican said that the pontiff had a “polymicrobial infection” of his respiratory tract, which required a change in his treatment.
A later update added that the Pope “proceeded to the prescribed treatment” in a stable state and had no fever. He also undertook work and reading the hospital on Monday.
“Pope Francis is affected by the many messages of affection and proximity that he has received in recent hours,” added a press release.
“He especially wants to thank those who are hospitalized at the moment, for the affection and the love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he begs for them and asks that they pray for him. “”
Before his admission last week, the Pope presented symptoms of bronchitis for several days and delegated to managers to read speeches prepared during events.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni also told journalists on Monday that the pontiff was in a good mood.
A brief statement on his condition said: “All tests to date indicate a complex clinical image that will require appropriate hospitalization.”
The weekly pontiff general public, which generally takes place every Wednesday, was canceled for this week, added the press release.
During the weekend, the Vatican said that the Pope was stable and he was told to “rest” to help his recovery.
Friday and Saturday, he held a video call with the parish of the Holy Family in Gaza, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli.
“We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He said himself:” I have to take care of myself. “But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well,” Father Romanelli told Vatican News.
Father Romanelli said on Sunday that he had only received one SMS from the Pope, thanking the parish for his good wishes.
The pope was unable to deliver his regular weekly prayer on Sunday in Saint-Pierre or to lead a special mass for artists to mark the year of the jubilee of the Catholic church.
He also held meetings in his Vatican residence last week to try to rest and recover.
The members of the public outside the Basilica of St Peter share their good 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 work when they are already older. So yes, it is often that they suffer from medical problems accordingly,” he told the BBC.
The pope has been hospitalized several times during his 12 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church and has undergone a number of Health problems throughout his lifeIncluding having a part of one of his lungs removed at the age of 21.
In March 2023, he spent three nights in the hospital with bronchitis and in June of the same year underwent a three -hour operation to repair an abdominal hernia.
Another disease also forced him to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 Climate Summit in 2023.
In December of last year, he appeared with a big bruise on his chin when he led a ceremony in the Saint-Pierre basilica to install 21 new Catholic cardinals, which, according to the Vatican, is the result of a Minor fall.
More recently, in January, he fell and injured his right arm and a scarf was precaution.