Pope Francis remains hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where he was admitted last Friday for a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, the Vatican said Monday. The latest medical examinations have confirmed a complex clinical picture, which has forced to modify his treatment and prolong his stay in the hospital without an expected date for discharge.
No discharge date and with treatment changes
In an official statement, the Holy See explained that the tests carried out in recent days have allowed a more complete evaluation of the pathology, which has led to adjust the therapy. However, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that this does not mean an aggravation, but a revision of the diagnosis based on recent analyses.
The 87-year-old pope’s state of health has generated a great deal of attention in recent days. Although no further details about his evolution have been revealed, Bruni affirmed that Francis “is in good spirits” and maintains his usual routine inside the hospital, including reading newspapers.
Cancellations and doubts about your agenda
As a consequence of his hospitalization, Wednesday’s general audience has been cancelled, and some media speculate that he will not be able to attend Sunday’s Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, although the Vatican has not yet officially confirmed this absence.
The Pope has been in the hospital since Friday, February 16, when it was decided to admit him for treatment of a respiratory infection. According to Vatican sources, in the last few days he has been resting well and maintaining contact with his close entourage.
Francis remains in contact with Gaza during hospitalization
Despite his health condition, the pope has continued with one of his most recent habits: calling daily at the Holy Family parish in Gaza, where 600 refugees receive assistance.
The pontiff contacted the parish on both Friday and Saturday, although, according to witnesses, “his voice was somewhat tired.” Nevertheless, he maintained his interest in the situation in the Gaza Strip and the welfare of the refugees.
The Argentine priest Gabriel Romanell, parish priest of the church, explained to an Italian media that Sunday was the only day the pope did not call, but he had previously warned that he would rest that day.
Expectation of the pontiff’s evolution
Although the Vatican insists that the pope is stable and in good spirits, the lack of a discharge date and the cancellation of events in his schedule have increased uncertainty about his recovery.
The state of Pope Francis’ health continues to be a topic of great interest, not only within the Catholic Church, but also globally. It is expected that in the coming days the Vatican will provide more details about his evolution and possible changes in his official schedule.
