Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome due to a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, forcing the cancellation of several events related to the Vatican's Holy Year. This hospitalization follows a previous bout of pneumonia in 2023 and highlights the increasing health concerns surrounding the 86-year-old Pope.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the results of tests conducted in recent days and Monday indicate the pope is suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection that has necessitated a further change in his drug therapy. Scientists say polymicrobial diseases are caused by a mix of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. There was no timeframe given for his hospitalization, which has already sidelined him for longer than a 2023 hospitalization for pneumonia.
Bruni said the complexity of his symptoms “will require an appropriate hospital stay.” Francis, who had part of one lung removed after a pulmonary infection as a young man, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in a “fair” condition on Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors confirmed a respiratory tract infection and prescribed “absolute rest” alongside unspecified drug therapies. Subsequent updates said his slight fever had gone away and that he was in “stable” condition.As people get older, their immune systems don’t work as well, making doctors especially concerned when elderly patients develop multiple problems. A decline in lung function and muscle strength can accompany old age and impair the ability to effectively clear respiratory secretions. That can increase susceptibility to infections like pneumonia. The Argentine pope is a known workaholic who keeps up a grueling pace despite his increasingly precarious health. In addition to his frequent bouts of respiratory infections in winter, he uses a wheelchair, walker or cane because of bad knees and suffers from sciatica nerve pain. In 2021 he had 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed because of a narrowing, and then had a further surgery in 2023 to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia.When he had a bad case of pneumonia in 2023, he left the hospital after three days and only acknowledged after the fact that he had been admitted urgently after feeling faint and having a sharp pain in his chest. This time around, Francis insisted on finishing his morning audiences Friday before leaving the Vatican, even though he was having trouble speaking at length because he was short of breath. Francis’ continued hospitalization has already forced the cancellation of some events connected to the Vatican’s Holy Year and put others in question. The official Vatican calendar online has no more papal appointments or activities for February, and picks up only on March 5, Ash Wednesday. This week’s weekly general audience was canceled. Francis was supposed to have gone Monday to Rome’s Cinecitta film studios to meet with artists as part of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year celebrations, but the Vatican canceled that event. Beyond that, he had been scheduled to preside on Sunday at the ordination of deacons as part of a Holy Year weekend dedicated to deacons. While he is still listed on the Jubilee calendar as the main celebrant, his participation is not listed on the Vatican calendar
Pope Francis Hospitalization Respiratory Infection Polymicrobial Vatican Holy Year Health
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope Francis Hospitalized With Respiratory InfectionPope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors have prescribed him 'absolute rest' and modified his treatment for a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old pope will not deliver his traditional Sunday noon blessing.
Read more »
Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis, Diagnostic TestsPope Francis was hospitalized in Rome on Friday to treat a weeklong bout of bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests. The 88-year-old pontiff has been experiencing breathing difficulties and had to cancel his schedule through Monday. He appeared bloated and pale during his audiences before being admitted to Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for the ongoing bronchitis.
Read more »
Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis and Diagnostic TestsPope Francis, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church, is hospitalized in Rome to address ongoing bronchitis and undergo necessary diagnostic tests.
Read more »
Pope Francis Hospitalized for BronchitisPope Francis has been admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital for treatment of bronchitis and further diagnostic tests. This hospitalization comes amidst a series of health challenges faced by the 88-year-old pontiff.
Read more »
News Roundup: Canadian Trade Talks, Indigenous Child Services, Pope Francis Hospitalized, and MoreThis news roundup features a selection of stories from various categories, including Canadian politics, social issues, health, entertainment, and science. From updates on trade negotiations to groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, these articles offer a glimpse into current events shaping our world.
Read more »
Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis and Diagnostic TestsPope Francis has been admitted to the hospital in Rome for treatment of bronchitis and to undergo further diagnostic tests.
Read more »