Pope Francis will remain in hospital, Vatican says

Pope Francis to Remain Hospitalized for Respiratory Infection

Pope Francis will continue to receive treatment for a respiratory infection at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, as confirmed by a Vatican spokesperson, according to a Reuters report. The 88-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection after undergoing diagnostic tests.

Reports from Vatican News indicate that Pope Francis had a “restful night” at the hospital, with his slight fever from Friday subsiding by Saturday. The pope was admitted to the hospital after experiencing symptoms of bronchitis for about a week, as confirmed by the Vatican to Fox News.

During his hospitalization, CNN CEO Mark Thompson met with Pope Francis and noted that while the pope was mentally alert, he had difficulty speaking for extended periods due to breathing issues.

Pope Francis has a history of health struggles, having had part of his lung removed at the age of 21 due to pleurisy. In recent years, he has undergone surgeries in 2021 and 2023, in addition to dealing with ongoing knee problems that have necessitated the use of a wheelchair.

The pope’s recent health concerns include two falls, one in December and another in January, which resulted in his arm being placed in a sling as a precautionary measure. In his autobiography, Pope Francis attributed his health challenges to his age, emphasizing that the leadership of the Church relies on the head and heart, not the physical capabilities.

As the pontiff continues his treatment at the hospital, well-wishes and prayers have poured in from around the world for his swift recovery. The Vatican has assured the public that Pope Francis is receiving the best possible care and is in stable condition.

This article was written by Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, and serves as an update on Pope Francis’ health status and ongoing medical treatment.