Pope Francis, who was hospitalized four days ago for bronchitis, is facing a “complex clinical picture” that will require a longer hospital stay than initially expected, the Vatican announced on Monday.
Following the cancellation of events through Monday, the Vatican confirmed that the pope’s weekly Wednesday audience would also be suspended.
“Tests conducted in recent days have revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, necessitating adjustments to his treatment,” the Vatican said in a statement. “All test results so far indicate a complex condition that requires appropriate hospitalization.”
Stable Condition, But Ongoing Concerns
Despite the medical update, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni assured that Pope Francis remains in “good humour,” has been resting well, eating, and reading newspapers. A Vatican source also emphasized that there is no immediate alarm over the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition, though it was confirmed that he is receiving oxygen.
The Argentine pope, who has battled increasing health challenges in recent years, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after experiencing fatigue following a demanding two weeks of engagements. In the days leading up to his hospitalization, he had reported difficulty breathing and had frequently asked aides to read his speeches aloud.
At his general audience last Wednesday, Francis acknowledged his struggle, telling the crowd, “I cannot yet read my own speeches,” but added with a smile, “I hope that next time I can.”
Recurring Health Issues
Pope Francis has a history of respiratory illnesses, having had part of one lung removed in his youth. He has suffered multiple bouts of bronchitis, including a March 2023 hospitalization that required three nights of treatment and a December 2023 episode that forced him to cancel a trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
In addition, he underwent a hernia operation in June 2023 and intestinal surgery in 2021. Persistent knee pain has confined him to a wheelchair since 2022, though he occasionally uses a cane when standing. The pope has also suffered falls in recent months, bruising his forearm in January and sustaining a visible injury to his jaw after falling from his bed in December.
Active Despite Health Challenges
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has remained active. In September 2024, he completed an extensive four-nation Asia-Pacific tour—the longest of his papacy in both duration and distance. He continues to maintain a busy schedule, including daily private audiences, Sunday Angelus prayers, and Wednesday public addresses.
On Sunday, he followed Mass from his hospital room and sent a written message for the Angelus prayer, stating, “I would have liked to be among you, but as you know, I am here at Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis.”
While the pope has previously acknowledged the possibility of resignation—like his predecessor Benedict XVI—he has insisted that he currently has no reason to step down. In a memoir published last year, he described resignation as a “distant possibility,” only justifiable in the event of a serious physical impediment.
For now, the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his discharge, but officials maintain that he is responding to treatment.
