Pope Francis Hospitalized with Complex Health Condition
Rome, February 17, 2023 – Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized since Friday, February 14, in Rome with a "complex clinical picture," the Vatican announced on Monday, February 17. The extended hospitalization suggests that the Pope’s condition is more serious than initially thought.
According to a medical bulletin released at midday, "the results of the examinations carried out in recent days and today have revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, leading to a new modification of therapy."
The Vatican has not disclosed when Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome. However, his weekly general audience scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled due to his hospitalization.
On Monday morning, the Vatican provided some reassuring news. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, stated that the Pope had "spent a peaceful night" and was "in good spirits."
"This morning, he had breakfast and dedicated himself, as usual, to reading some newspapers," Bruni added, noting that the Pope’s treatments were ongoing.
Prior to his hospitalization on Friday, Pope Francis appeared frail, with a swollen face and labored breathing. He had repeatedly delegated the reading of his speeches to aides.
"The schedule has been very intense over the past two weeks, and he was weakened," a source close to the Pope confirmed to AFP.
However, according to the source, there is "no alarm" within the Holy See regarding the Pope’s condition. Known for his strong and sometimes stubborn nature, the Pope prefers to "keep moving forward," even at the risk of straining his health.
On Sunday, the Bishop of Rome watched Mass on television, missing his weekly Angelus prayer. The Vatican reported later that evening that his clinical condition was "stable."
According to Italian media outlets, the Pope has maintained his daily phone calls to the parish in Gaza from his hospital room.
The hospitalization of the Argentine-born pontiff, the fourth in less than four years, has raised concerns about his fragile health. It comes at the beginning of a Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church, which typically involves a busy schedule of events presided over by the Pope.
In recent years, Pope Francis has experienced several health issues, including hip problems, knee pain, surgeries, and respiratory infections. In mid-January, he appeared with his arm in a sling after a fall at his residence.
In December, he sustained a large bruise on his chin after bumping into his night table. Despite these repeated health setbacks, the Pope, who uses a wheelchair to get around, maintains a demanding schedule and has stated that he has no intention of slowing down.
