The Vatican has released a statement after Pope Francis was hospitalized.

The 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after developing bronchitis.

As per the Vatican, he was diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and has since undergone treatment.

“The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today have demonstrated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a further modification of the therapy,” the Vatican said in a statement.

A polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, or fungi – make contribution to the illness, making treatment more complex.“All tests conducted up to today are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require an appropriate hospital stay,” the statement said.

Doctors have adjusted the Pope’s treatment accordingly, and he will remain hospitalized for as long as necessary to manage his condition. In spite of his illness, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reassured the public that Pope Francis is “in good spirits.”

Because of his continued hospitalization, the Vatican has canceled the Pope’s weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square scheduled for February 19.
Over the weekend, he was also forced to miss his traditional Sunday prayer and a special Mass for artists marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.

Pilgrims visiting the Vatican have expressed their concern over his absence. Rev. Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the United States, shared his well-wishes: “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly. He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing,” cited by The Independent.

Italian tourist Manuel Rossi admitted to feeling “worried,” adding: “I am 18 years old so I have seen few popes in my life, and am very close to him… I hope he recovers as soon as possible.”

Pope Francis has continued his work, even from his hospital bed. He made personal calls to members of a Catholic parish in Gaza over the weekend, according to Italian broadcaster Mediaset.

One parishioner disclosed that the Pope called on both Friday and Saturday, describing him as being in “good spirits” but sounding “a bit tired”.

On February 16, Francis also took to social media to acknowledge the global outpouring of support: “Thank you for the affection, prayer, and closeness with which you accompany me in these days,” he wrote on X.

This isn’t the first time the Pontiff has faced serious health challenges. As a young man, he had a portion of his lung removed due to an infection, leaving him prone to respiratory issues.

Since his election in 2013, he has been hospitalized four times, raising ongoing concerns about his health.

In 2021, he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon, requiring an extended hospital stay, and in 2023, he was treated for acute pneumonia, later revealing the diagnosis publicly after recovering.

He now relies on a walker or cane and has suffered two recent falls, injuring both his chin and arm.

Wishing Pope Francis a full and speedy recovery