Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 due to a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract,” requiring adjustments to his treatment and an extended hospital stay, according to a Vatican medical bulletin released on February 17.
“All the tests performed to date indicate a complex clinical picture that will require an appropriate hospital stay,” the bulletin stated.
At 88 years old, the Holy Father has been struggling with respiratory issues for over a week, experiencing bronchitis and difficulty breathing. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the pope “slept well, woke up and had breakfast and was reading newspapers and continuing his therapy,” while remaining in “a good mood.”
Health Concerns and Canceled Engagements
Given the pope’s condition, the Vatican has canceled his weekly general audience scheduled for February 19. Additionally, the Prefecture of the Papal Household has reportedly canceled all papal appointments through February 22. There remains uncertainty regarding whether Pope Francis will be able to preside over the Mass and the ordination of permanent deacons on February 23 as part of the Jubilee of Deacons.
The Holy Father has long been vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. In 1957, he underwent surgery to remove part of his lung following a severe respiratory infection. More recently, during his general audience on February 5, he explained, “It is difficult for me to speak,” and allowed an aide to read his homily. Again, at Mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Services, Police, and Security Personnel on February 9, he apologized, saying he was having “difficulty breathing.” On February 12, he once more delegated his main talk, explaining, “because I still can’t with my bronchitis. I hope next time I can.”
A Pastoral Heart Even in Suffering
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has continued to show pastoral concern for those in need. According to reports from Italian media, he personally called Holy Family Parish in Gaza on February 14 and 15 while in the hospital to check on the priests, religious, and families sheltering there. “The pope called us Friday and Saturday; he was in a good mood, his voice a little tired, but he wanted to know how we were,” an unnamed official from the parish told the Italian news outlet TGcom24. However, on February 16, the pope’s aides informed the parish that he needed rest and would not be making his usual call.
Even as he battles illness, Pope Francis has continued to express concern for global peace. Though he has been unable to read his prepared remarks, he has still taken the microphone at public events to offer his blessing and urge the faithful to pray for peace in the world.
As the Catholic faithful pray for the pope’s recovery, his unwavering commitment to his pastoral duties serves as an inspiration. Let us continue to lift him up in prayer, asking the Lord to grant him strength and healing in this time of illness.
