Pope Francis remains hospitalised for a fourth day as he battles a respiratory infection, with the Vatican confirming on Monday that his condition is complex and will require an extended stay.
Despite his illness, the 88-year-old pontiff has been able to carry out some work, read, and receive the Eucharist.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday with bronchitis following a period of fatigue.
Vatican officials initially cancelled events through Monday, but later extended cancellations to include his weekly Wednesday audience.
A Vatican statement issued on Monday, February 17, 2025, confirmed that medical tests had revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, prompting adjustments to his treatment.
While the pope remains fever-free, officials stated that his condition remains serious enough to warrant continued hospitalisation.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni reassured reporters that Pope Francis was in “good humour” and had been following the news, while a source within his entourage downplayed alarm, saying the pontiff had simply been weakened by his recent schedule.
However, another Vatican source confirmed to AFP that the pope was receiving oxygen.
Before his admission, Pope Francis had struggled with breathing and had repeatedly asked aides to read his speeches aloud.
During last Wednesday’s general audience, he acknowledged his difficulties, saying, “I cannot yet” read his speeches but expressed hope for improvement.
Despite his condition, he continued to hold meetings, including an engagement with Slovakia’s prime minister just hours before being hospitalised.
The pope’s health has been a growing concern in recent years. He had part of one lung removed as a young man and has suffered from recurring respiratory infections.
In March 2023, he spent three nights in hospital due to bronchitis, and he also underwent hernia surgery last June.
He has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 due to persistent knee pain.
Francis has also experienced recent falls, including one in January that left him with a bruised forearm and another in December that caused visible bruising on his jaw after he fell from his bed.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis remains active.
In September 2024, he completed a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour—the longest of his papacy—and maintains a packed schedule of public and private engagements.
Although he has previously said he would consider stepping down if he became unable to fulfill his duties, Francis recently dismissed the idea, writing in a memoir that resignation was only a distant possibility and would be justified only in the case of a serious physical impediment.
For now, the Vatican says the pope is continuing his treatment and remains grateful for the outpouring of well wishes from around the world.
