Pope Francis to remain hospitalized for respiratory tract infection
Pope Francis remains hospitalized
The Vatican says Pope Francis will remain hospitalized for the treatment of what is now being called a "complex" respiratory infection. The pope himself releasing a statement via X thanking his followers for their thoughts and prayers.
Pope Francis has a respiratory tract infection that is requiring several days of hospitalization.
The 88-year-old was admitted to a hospital in Rome in "fair" condition on Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Monday the pope has a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection that requires further hospitalization and a change in drug therapy.
What is a polymicrobial infection?
Scientists say polymicrobial diseases are caused by a mix of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Big picture view:
As people get older, their immune systems don’t work as well, making doctors especially concerned when elderly patients develop multiple problems.
Pope Francis health
FILE - Pope Francis holds his homily during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
The backstory:
Francis has had several health ailments over the years. This is his fourth hospitalization since his 2013 election.
Francis had part of one lung removed as a young man after a pulmonary infection, and has recurring bouts of bronchitis, especially in winter.
He had other health problems too: He had part of his large intestine removed in 2021, uses a wheelchair, cane or walker because of bad knee ligaments and suffers from sciatica nerve pain.
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What they're saying:
The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis’ respiratory tract infection is presenting a "complex clinical picture" that required a change in medication.
No timeframe was given for his hospitalization, but Bruni said the complexity of Francis’ symptoms "will require an appropriate hospital stay."
Earlier, Bruni said Francis ate breakfast and read the newspapers Monday morning.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni and reported by The Associated Press. This story was reported from Detroit.