VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with bronchitis since Friday, is facing a “complex clinical picture” that will require a longer hospital stay than initially expected, the Vatican confirmed on Monday.
Recent tests revealed a polymicrobial infection in the 88-year-old pontiff’s respiratory tract, leading doctors to adjust his treatment.
As a result, his scheduled public appearance on Wednesday has been canceled.
“All the tests carried out until now are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require adequate hospitalisation,” the Vatican statement said.
In a Monday evening press release, the Holy See Press Office says that Pope Francis’ condition is “stable”, and he is “continuing with the prescribed treatment”. vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2…
Despite his condition, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the pope remains in “good humour,” has been eating well, and continues to read newspapers.
A source within the Vatican insisted there was “no alarmism,” though it was confirmed that Francis is receiving oxygen.
The news has heightened concerns about the pope’s health, which has been deteriorating in recent years.
Last week, Francis admitted to struggling with breathing difficulties and had aides read his speeches aloud.
At his general audience last Wednesday, he told the crowd, “I cannot yet read my own speeches,” though he expressed hope for improvement.
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having had part of a lung removed in his youth.
He has also suffered repeated bouts of bronchitis, forcing him to cancel key engagements, including the COP28 climate summit in Dubai last December.
In addition to his lung condition, the pope has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a hernia operation in 2023 and intestinal surgery in 2021.
He has also experienced mobility issues, using a wheelchair since 2022 due to persistent knee pain.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis remains an active leader.
Last year, he embarked on an extensive four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific, the longest trip of his papacy.
He continues to maintain a full schedule of private meetings and public addresses.
While the idea of papal resignation has been raised in the past—particularly after Pope Benedict XVI’s historic step down in 2013—Francis has stated he does not currently see a reason to follow suit.
In a memoir published last year, he described resignation as a “distant possibility” that would only be justified by a “serious physical impediment.”
For now, the Vatican remains optimistic about the pope’s recovery, though his extended hospitalization signals an ongoing health struggle that may impact his ability to carry out his duties in the long term.
