VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis remains in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital as doctors modify his treatment for a respiratory tract infection, describing his condition as a “complex clinical situation,” the Vatican announced on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling the infection for over a week, was admitted on Friday. Recent tests confirmed a polymicrobial infection, prompting adjustments to his therapy.
“The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today have demonstrated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a further modification of the therapy,” the Vatican said in a statement. “All tests conducted up to today are indicative of a complex clinical situation that will require an appropriate hospital stay.”
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis remains active. According to Vatican sources, he has continued working and reading documents. He has also maintained communication with Gaza’s sole Catholic parish.
“He told us, ‘I am not well,’ and you could see he was tired,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli, a local priest in Gaza, in an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai. Romanelli, a fellow Argentine, recalled Francis joking, “A few days (in hospital) and I’ll be back.” He also described the pope as “not an easy patient for doctors, because he is always talking, always very active.”
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni did not specify whether the pope’s infection is bacterial or viral. A bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics, whereas viral infections typically require supportive care. A polymicrobial infection, like the one affecting Francis, is caused by multiple microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Rev. Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and medical doctor, explained that “polymicrobial is a generic term that does not specify an infection’s root cause.” While not directly involved in Francis’ treatment, he noted that the Vatican’s mention of the pope eating breakfast suggests he is not on a respirator. “It also means the body is not debilitated to the point of not being able to take food and digest it,” said Vicini, a professor at Boston College.
Pope Francis has faced recurring health challenges in recent years. In his youth, he suffered from pleurisy and had part of one lung removed. More recently, he has been prone to lung infections. His ongoing hospitalization has led to the cancellation of his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, as well as a special Mass for artists in preparation for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Pilgrims and followers have expressed their concern. “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly,” said Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States. “He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.”
Manuel Rossi, an 18-year-old tourist from Milan, admitted feeling “quite worried” when the pope canceled his Sunday appearance. “I have seen few popes in my life, and am very close to him. I hope he recovers as soon as possible.”
For now, Vatican officials have not given a timeline for Pope Francis’ discharge, saying only that he will remain hospitalized for as long as necessary.
