Pope Francis is expected to remain in hospital as doctors treat his respiratory infection, the Vatican said.
The pope, 88, has had a respiratory infection for more than a week. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Friday.
“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,” said a Vatican spokesperson. “All tests conducted up to today are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require an appropriate hospital stay.”
“The Holy Father remains without a fever and is proceeding with the prescribed treatment,” the Vatican later said. “His condition is stable.”
Pope Francis’ appointments until Monday have been cancelled, including his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
While in hospital, the pope spoke by phone with the Holy Family church in Gaza. The pope has called the Holy Family church each day since Israel begun its invasion of Gaza in October 2023.
Polymicrobial respiratory infections involve a combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Pope Francis was also hospitalised for three days in March 2023 due to acute bronchitis. He had part of one lung removed after a pulmonary infection as a teenager.
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