Pope Francis stable as he remains hospitalized for 'complex' respiratory infection

Pope Francis is sick with a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, the Vatican said Monday. 

The pope, 88, was diagnosed following testing “carried out over the past few days,” the Vatican’s press office said. With the results, he'll have a change in drug therapy.

He had initially been admitted to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome on Friday for treatment of bronchitis, and preliminary tests showed he had a respiratory tract infection and a slight fever. 

Testing over the past days paints a “complex clinical picture,” the Vatican said Monday, and he’ll need to remain in the hospital for an "appropriate" amount of time.

Polymicrobial diseases are caused by combinations of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The Vatican said in an update Monday that the pope is stable and doesn't have a fever.

“The Holy Father continues to be apyretic and is continuing the prescribed therapy,” the statement said. He received the Eucharist on Monday morning, then spent time working and reading texts. 

“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours; in particular, he wishes to address his thanks to those who are currently hospitalized, for the affection and love they express through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him,” the Vatican said.

Pope Francis had a quiet first night in the hospital over the weekend. He spent Saturday eating, reading newspapers, praying and reading, and the Vatican described his condition as stable.

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The Vatican had canceled his audiences through at least Monday. 

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni that said the pope rested well and had another quiet night Sunday and that he will continue with therapies. 

The pope, who had part of one lung removed after a pulmonary infection as a young man, has suffered from influenza and related health issues repeatedly over the past two years. 

He also underwent surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

He said in his autobiography, “Hope,” which was published last month, “I am well,” adding, “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.”

The pope, who often uses a wheelchair because of knee and back pain, said: “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.”