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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Pope Francis Continues to Be Hospitalized While Doctors Treat a Complicated Infection
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will continue to be hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory tract infection due to growing health concerns.
Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome as doctors adjust his treatment plan to manage a 'complex clinical situation,' according to a statement released by the Vatican on Monday.
The pontiff has been battling a respiratory tract infection for over a week, having been admitted to the hospital on Friday.
In its statement, the Vatican revealed that test results show a polymicrobial infection affecting the respiratory tract, leading to changes in the pope's treatment.
Described as 'complex,' his condition requires a prolonged hospitalization; however, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis is stable and shows no fever.
Despite being hospitalized, the pope has been reaching out to communities and maintaining communication with Gaza's only Catholic parish.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, a local priest, shared that during a video call, Pope Francis conveyed his feelings about his health, expressing that he feels tired but hopeful with the remark, "A few days (in hospital) and I'll be back." Romanelli described the pontiff as 'not an easy patient for doctors,' highlighting his active communication.
On Monday, Pope Francis continued to work and review documents while hospitalized.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni did not specify whether the infection's source was bacterial or viral.
Typically, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections require supportive care since they do not respond to antibiotics.
A polymicrobial infection involves several microorganisms and may originate from bacterial, viral, or fungal sources.
Rev. Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and medical doctor, noted that polymicrobial is a broad term and does not pinpoint the exact nature of the infection affecting the pope.
He noted that recent reports of the pope having breakfast indicate that his health status permits digestion and does not require respiratory support.
Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Pope Francis has confronted various health issues, including instances of influenza and respiratory complications.
Earlier in life, he developed pleurisy and had surgery to remove part of one lung.
His recent hospitalization has resulted in the cancellation of his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, along with a special Mass for artists marking the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.
Visitors to the Vatican have extended their best wishes for the pope's swift recovery.
Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States, expressed, "We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly. He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing."
The pontiff has been battling a respiratory tract infection for over a week, having been admitted to the hospital on Friday.
In its statement, the Vatican revealed that test results show a polymicrobial infection affecting the respiratory tract, leading to changes in the pope's treatment.
Described as 'complex,' his condition requires a prolonged hospitalization; however, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis is stable and shows no fever.
Despite being hospitalized, the pope has been reaching out to communities and maintaining communication with Gaza's only Catholic parish.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, a local priest, shared that during a video call, Pope Francis conveyed his feelings about his health, expressing that he feels tired but hopeful with the remark, "A few days (in hospital) and I'll be back." Romanelli described the pontiff as 'not an easy patient for doctors,' highlighting his active communication.
On Monday, Pope Francis continued to work and review documents while hospitalized.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni did not specify whether the infection's source was bacterial or viral.
Typically, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections require supportive care since they do not respond to antibiotics.
A polymicrobial infection involves several microorganisms and may originate from bacterial, viral, or fungal sources.
Rev. Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and medical doctor, noted that polymicrobial is a broad term and does not pinpoint the exact nature of the infection affecting the pope.
He noted that recent reports of the pope having breakfast indicate that his health status permits digestion and does not require respiratory support.
Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Pope Francis has confronted various health issues, including instances of influenza and respiratory complications.
Earlier in life, he developed pleurisy and had surgery to remove part of one lung.
His recent hospitalization has resulted in the cancellation of his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, along with a special Mass for artists marking the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.
Visitors to the Vatican have extended their best wishes for the pope's swift recovery.
Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States, expressed, "We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly. He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing."
