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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Outside the box.
Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized Due to Respiratory Infection
The 88-year-old pontiff is being treated for a complex respiratory tract infection yielding a polymicrobial diagnosis.
Pope Francis will continue his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to a complex health situation, according to a statement released by the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Friday, presenting with worsening bronchitis, and has since been diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.
The Vatican's spokesman, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that results from tests completed over the past days revealed this polymicrobial infection, characterized by the presence of two or more microorganisms which can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The Vatican noted that the outcome of these tests indicated a necessity for an appropriate length of hospital stay.
Pope Francis' general audience scheduled for Wednesday was canceled as his doctors advise him to rest.
Public concern over the pope's health has increased; however, the Vatican has reported that he is currently in stable condition and has not developed a fever.
Despite being hospitalized, the pope maintained communication with the Holy Family Church in Gaza, and reports indicate he remained upbeat during phone calls made during his stay.
Church manager comments suggested he displayed a positive attitude, although he appeared fatigued.
On Friday, before his admission, Pope Francis conducted several meetings, including one with Mark Thompson, the chief executive of CNN, who reported that the pontiff was mentally alert but faced difficulties speaking for extended periods due to his health issues.
In recent years, Pope Francis has faced a series of health-related challenges.
He was previously hospitalized for acute bronchitis in March 2023 and experienced additional health checks at the Gemelli Hospital in June 2023. Earlier in his life, he underwent lung surgery in his twenties and had a colon operation in June 2021. Ongoing mobility issues related to sciatic nerve pain have led to the use of a wheelchair and a walking stick.
Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has demonstrated resilience amid various health challenges.
His upcoming commitments remain on the Vatican's schedule, but uncertainty surrounds their execution due to his current health condition.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Friday, presenting with worsening bronchitis, and has since been diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.
The Vatican's spokesman, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that results from tests completed over the past days revealed this polymicrobial infection, characterized by the presence of two or more microorganisms which can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The Vatican noted that the outcome of these tests indicated a necessity for an appropriate length of hospital stay.
Pope Francis' general audience scheduled for Wednesday was canceled as his doctors advise him to rest.
Public concern over the pope's health has increased; however, the Vatican has reported that he is currently in stable condition and has not developed a fever.
Despite being hospitalized, the pope maintained communication with the Holy Family Church in Gaza, and reports indicate he remained upbeat during phone calls made during his stay.
Church manager comments suggested he displayed a positive attitude, although he appeared fatigued.
On Friday, before his admission, Pope Francis conducted several meetings, including one with Mark Thompson, the chief executive of CNN, who reported that the pontiff was mentally alert but faced difficulties speaking for extended periods due to his health issues.
In recent years, Pope Francis has faced a series of health-related challenges.
He was previously hospitalized for acute bronchitis in March 2023 and experienced additional health checks at the Gemelli Hospital in June 2023. Earlier in his life, he underwent lung surgery in his twenties and had a colon operation in June 2021. Ongoing mobility issues related to sciatic nerve pain have led to the use of a wheelchair and a walking stick.
Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has demonstrated resilience amid various health challenges.
His upcoming commitments remain on the Vatican's schedule, but uncertainty surrounds their execution due to his current health condition.
