Pope Francis hospitalized for complex respiratory illness remains in good spirits

Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection, a situation that emerged last week and prompted him to cancel several public engagements. At the age of 88, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church is currently receiving treatment at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Reports indicate that his conditions require a more intensive therapy regimen due to the nature of the illness, described as a “complex clinical picture.”

In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, it was noted that medical assessments revealed a polymicrobial infection affecting the respiratory tract, which has necessitated a change in his treatment plan. Despite this health challenge, Francis is reportedly maintaining a positive outlook. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, reassured journalists that the Pope is “in good spirits.”

Notably, while hospitalized, the Pope has remained in contact with friends and acquaintances. Father Gabriel Romanelli from the Holy Family Parish in the Gaza Strip shared that they had a conversation via phone. He remarked, “It is true; he is more tired. He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice; he listened to us well.” Furthermore, Pope Francis took the time to send a message to Romanelli on Sunday, expressing hopes for a swift recovery and his desire to return to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Pope’s health issues initially surfaced as bronchitis, which prompted his admission to the hospital after fulfilling his scheduled duties. This hospitalization led to the cancellation of a jubilee general audience and an audience with artists, with Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça stepping in to oversee the mass in the Pope’s absence.

This isn’t the first time the Pope has faced respiratory difficulties. He spent time in Gemelli Hospital in 2023 for similar reasons, emphasized by Bruni as a period requiring “appropriate hospital medical therapy.” Historically, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, making headlines for being the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. His notable achievements include addressing the U.S. Congress in 2015, marking a significant moment in papal history.