Vatican Reports Pope’s Condition Stable; He Watched Mass on TV During Recovery from Lung Infection

ROME — On Sunday morning, Pope Francis began his day with breakfast, perused the newspapers, and watched Mass on television, following a restful second night at the hospital where he is receiving treatment for a respiratory infection. According to the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remains stable as he undergoes a course of medication, mixing periods of reading with rest throughout the afternoon, as noted by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The pope, originally from Argentina and known for his rigorous work ethic despite numerous health challenges, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday. His hospitalization came after a week-long struggle with bronchitis that took a turn for the worse. This marks his fourth stay in the hospital since his election in 2013, leading to growing concerns regarding his health status.

Medical professionals have confirmed that the pope is battling a respiratory infection and has advised “absolute rest” alongside his ongoing treatment. Francis did not participate in his usual Sunday blessing, opting instead to remain inside and did not make an appearance at his hospital window to greet the small crowd outside that had gathered to offer support.

The @Pontifex Twitter account, which is managed by a team rather than the pope himself, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and kindness he has received during this time. “Thank you for the affection, prayer, and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days,” the message read.

Pope Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having undergone lung surgery in his youth that resulted in the removal of part of one lung. He has faced multiple respiratory infections over the years, with a significant hospitalization occurring in 2023, when he was treated for an acute case of pneumonia.

Despite being diagnosed with bronchitis at the beginning of February, he maintained a busy schedule, engaging in numerous public and private engagements while managing the extra responsibilities of guiding the Catholic Church through its Holy Year activities. Due to his health, the Vatican has postponed all his public events until at least Monday. A special Holy Year Mass that he was scheduled to lead for visiting artists was instead officiated by the Vatican’s culture minister on Sunday.

While the specific type of respiratory infection affecting Pope Francis has not been disclosed, it’s worth noting that bronchitis can progress to pneumonia, a more severe condition affecting the lungs’ air sacs. Treatment options vary based on severity and may involve administering oxygen through a nasal mask, intravenous fluids, and other therapies to address the root cause of the infection.