Doctors are scrambling to treat him.
Pope Francis remains in good spirits as he recovers from a respiratory infection that required his hospitalization at Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was admitted last week, leading to the cancellation of several scheduled meetings. According to the Vatican’s update, medical tests revealed a complex clinical picture, and his treatment has been adjusted accordingly.
The pontiff’s condition involves a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has resulted in a change in his therapy. Despite being more tired, Francis has continued to communicate with church officials, including Father Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, who noted that the pope’s voice remained strong during their conversation.
The hospitalization followed a bout of bronchitis that Francis had been suffering from for several days. Due to his condition, he canceled public appearances and a mass he was supposed to lead was officiated by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça. This is not the first time Francis has experienced health concerns; in 2023, he was hospitalized for respiratory difficulties as well.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013. He is notable for being the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit pope, and the first pope to address the U.S. Congress in 2015. Despite his recent health challenges, the pope remains hopeful for a swift recovery and plans to return to his duties at St. Peter’s Basilica soon.