Vatican issues statement on Pope Francis' health
The Vatican has announced that tests conducted on Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and Head of State of the Vatican, indicate a complex clinical situation, necessitating a change in his treatment plan. The Vatican stated that he will remain in the hospital for a while longer and that his condition is stable.
AA
A written statement was issued by the Vatican Press Office regarding the health of the 88-year-old Pope, who has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 due to bronchitis.
The statement included the following:
"The results of tests conducted in recent days and today have shown a polymicrobial infection in the respiratory tract, which has made it necessary to change the treatment. All tests conducted so far point to a complex clinical picture, requiring an appropriate period of hospitalization."
It was also announced that the general audience scheduled for February 19 has been canceled due to the extension of the Pope's hospital stay.
In a second statement released by the Vatican Press Office in the evening, it was noted: "The Pope has no fever and continues to receive the prescribed treatment. His clinical condition remains stable. Today, he attended to some work activities and spent time reading texts. Pope Francis is deeply moved by the numerous messages of love and support he continues to receive at this time."
"HIS VOICE WAS A LITTLE TIRED"
Reports in the Italian press also indicated that despite being in the hospital, Pope Francis continues to call the Catholic community in Gaza, as he does every day, to check on their well-being.
Speaking to the Tgcom24 channel, a member of the community said, "The Pope called us on Friday and Saturday. He was in good spirits. His voice was a little tired, but he wanted to know how we were doing."
Pope Francis had stated during two public events on February 9 and 12 that he was suffering from bronchitis and having difficulty breathing, which prevented him from speaking and led him to ask his assistants to read his speeches.
The Pope was last treated at Gemelli Hospital twice in 2023, once for respiratory distress and once for an operation to insert a prosthetic mesh into his abdominal wall.
Pope Francis, who has been the spiritual leader of Catholics since 2013, was first admitted to Gemelli Hospital in 2021, where he underwent colon surgery.