Rome: Pope Francis remained hospitalized for a fourth day on Monday as he continued treatment for a respiratory tract infection, with the Vatican stating that his condition was stable.
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the 88-year-old pontiff had a restful night on Sunday, though the Vatican had yet to provide an update on his health that day. Francis, who has been battling bronchitis for over a week, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday morning.
Doctors have advised him to rest completely, preventing him from delivering his regular Sunday prayer to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square or leading a special mass for artists in honor of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
On Sunday, the Vatican reaffirmed that his condition remained “stable” and that his treatment was ongoing, adding that he would stay in the hospital as long as necessary. Despite being hospitalized over the weekend, Francis continued his recent habit of making phone calls, speaking with members of a Catholic parish in Gaza, Italian broadcaster Mediaset reported on Monday.
A parish member noted that the pope had called on both Friday and Saturday, describing him as being in “good humour” but sounding “a bit tired.”
The Vatican has also canceled his planned visit to Rome’s renowned Cinecittà film studios, which was scheduled for Monday.
“Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you accompany me in these days,” the pope wrote on X on Sunday.
Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 16, 2025
