Pope Francis, aged 88, is currently battling a complicated respiratory tract infection that requires extended hospitalization, according to a statement released by the Vatican on Monday. This has heightened concerns over the pontiff’s deteriorating health conditions.

Matteo Bruni, the Vatican’s spokesperson, revealed that recent test results pointed to a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection” in the Pope’s system. This type of infection, as explained by scientists, is caused by an amalgamation of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, thus necessitating a modification in his medication.

No specific duration has been set for his stay in the hospital, which has already exceeded his previous hospitalization in 2023 due to pneumonia. Bruni emphasized that the complexity of the Pope’s symptoms necessitates a suitable period of hospitalization.

In his younger years, Francis underwent surgery to remove part of a lung following a pulmonary infection. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday under “fair” conditions after his bronchitis symptoms worsened over a week. His doctors diagnosed a respiratory tract infection and recommended “absolute rest” along with certain drug therapies. Updates revealed his minor fever had subsided and his condition was “stable”.

Bruni further reported that Francis had his breakfast and read newspapers on Monday morning after a third night of undisturbed rest. As people age, their immune systems become less effective, which is particularly concerning when elderly patients develop multiple health issues. The Pope, who is known for his relentless work ethic, battles frequent winter respiratory infections, uses mobility aids due to bad knees, and endures sciatica nerve pain. In 2021, he had a significant portion of his colon removed, which was followed by another surgery in 2023 to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia.

During his bout of pneumonia in 2023, the Pope left the hospital in three days and only later admitted that he had been urgently admitted after experiencing faintness and acute chest pain. This time, however, Francis insisted on completing his morning audiences before departing from the Vatican, despite his breathing difficulties which affected his speech.

His prolonged hospitalization has led to the cancellation of some Vatican’s Holy Year related events, casting doubt on the others. The Vatican’s official online calendar shows no papal appointments or activities for February, resuming only on March 5, Ash Wednesday. This week’s general audience was also canceled.

Francis was due to visit Rome’s Cinecitta film studios on Monday to meet with artists as part of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year celebrations, but this event was canceled by the Vatican. He was also scheduled to preside over the ordination of deacons on Sunday 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.

When he missed the Jubilee Mass dedicated to artists last Sunday, a cardinal filled in for him.

-Contributions to this report were made by medical writer Maria Cheng from London.

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