Vatican City (Agencies): Pope Francis remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital as he continues treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican announced on Saturday. Officials have not provided a timeline for his discharge, stating that his release will depend on his response to treatment.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff had a restful night and did not experience a fever. He is undergoing further diagnostic tests to monitor his condition. A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, also confirmed that Francis showed no fever on Saturday morning.
The Pope, who has been battling bronchitis for over a week, was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning for treatment. Gemelli hospital, which has a dedicated suite for papal care, has previously treated Francis, including a nine-day stay in June 2023 for abdominal hernia surgery.
Outside the hospital, concerned visitors gathered near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II to pray for Francis. “We found out yesterday with sadness,” said Giovanni Di Muro, an Italian visiting his son in the hospital. “We hope it’s nothing serious and that everything will be fine.”
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced multiple health challenges in recent years. Having had part of his lung removed as a young adult due to pleurisy, he has been prone to lung infections. Since mid-December, he has struggled with respiratory issues, frequently delegating public speeches to aides due to difficulty speaking.
The Vatican has assured the public that the Pope is receiving the necessary care, and further updates on his condition are expected in the coming days.