Pope Francis will remain hospitalized in Rome following his admission late last week due to a series of tests that revealed a “complex clinical picture,” as stated by the Vatican on Monday. This news has raised new concerns regarding the 88-year-old pontiff's health.
The Vatican's statement indicated that diagnostic tests conducted after his admission to Policlinico A. Gemelli revealed a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.” His medical team has adjusted his treatment accordingly.
The Vatican described the “complex clinical picture” as requiring an appropriate medical stay but did not provide further details. An evening update confirmed that the Pope is in “stable” condition and has no fever.
A polymicrobial respiratory tract infection entails a mix of microbes, such as viruses or bacteria, affecting the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract. This type of infection is generally considered serious, as it typically does not affect healthy individuals, according to Dr. James M. Musser, director of the center for infectious diseases at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Pope Francis was previously hospitalized in 2023 for a respiratory infection but was discharged after a three-day stay. Since the start of the year, he has maintained a busy schedule, including presiding over the opening of the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event in the Roman Catholic Church held every 25 years.
In early February, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope had bronchitis; however, he continued his public engagements, holding smaller audiences and larger gatherings, including an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square earlier this month.
In recent weeks, the Pope acknowledged experiencing respiratory difficulties, requesting aides to read his homilies and speeches. Following his hospitalization, doctors advised complete rest, and subsequent updates indicated he remains in a stable condition.
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having undergone surgery to remove part of a lung in 1957 due to cysts. His health challenges have increased with age, including knee problems and sciatica, which have necessitated the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane.
Dr. Musser noted that the Pope's reliance on a wheelchair may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, as individuals in wheelchairs often do not take deep breaths needed to clear their lungs effectively.
In addition to his previous surgeries, including colon surgery in 2021 and abdominal surgery for a hernia, the Pope has undergone diagnostic tests for flu symptoms in the past year.
On Monday morning, Francis reportedly received communion, had breakfast, and read newspapers after a restful night. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni remarked that the pontiff was “in good spirits” and had begun focusing on unspecified work activities.
The Vatican conveyed that Francis is “touched by the many messages of affection and closeness” he has received, particularly from individuals in hospitals sending drawings and get well messages. The Pope is praying for them and requests their prayers in return.
Visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica expressed their concerns for the pontiff’s health, including a clothing designer from Florence who prayed for his swift recovery, noting his role as a vital spiritual leader.