Although the pope’s infection has not been labeled fatal, the pontiff’s condition CAUSES increasing concern due to his age and respiratory history.
Newsroom, (17/02/2025 12:20, Gaudium Press) On the morning of Friday, 14 February, Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital to treat bronchitis, which lead to the cancellation of the Angelus on Sunday, 16 February, and his participation in the Jubilee of Artists. The Vatican reports that his recovery is going well, but, as usual, speculation has arisen about a possible resignation. Is his pontificate really coming to an end, or is this just another rumour?
Pope Francis is in his third day of hospitalization, his fourth in two years, notes RaiNews. ‘He is suffering from bronchitis which has proved resistant to the treatments administered at Santa Marta,’ reports the Italian media. According to the Vatican Press Office, ‘to facilitate his recovery, the medical team has prescribed absolute rest; therefore, tomorrow, Sunday, 16 February, the Holy Father will not lead the Angelus prayer, but intends to send the text for publication.’
As planned, the Pope cancelled his Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and his visit to the Cinecittà film studios – the first by a pontiff – for a meeting with around 700 artists. The Mass was delegated to Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça, president of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. In a message to the faithful, Francis mentioned his state of health: ‘I would like to be among you, but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Polyclinic because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis.’
Pope Francis’ hospitalization came a few days after the general audience on 12 February, when, weakened, he needed a collaborator to read his speech in the Paul VI Hall. ‘I still cannot read with my bronchitis,’ he said at the time. ‘I hope I can next time.’ The week before, he had mentioned a ‘strong cold’, later corrected by the Holy See Press Office as bronchitis. On Monday, 17 February, the Vatican issued a statement giving more details about the Pope’s bronchitis: ‘The results of the examinations carried out in recent days and today have shown a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a new change in therapy. All the tests carried out so far indicate a complex clinical picture, which will require appropriate hospitalization.’ The text does not explain the seriousness of the condition, but it does make it clear that there has been no improvement.
Although the pope’s infection has not been labeled fatal, the pontiff’s condition inspires increasing concern due to his age and respiratory history. At the age of 21, Francis had part of his right lung removed due to an infection.
Compiled by Sandra Chisholm
