Pope Francis, 88, is reportedly now battling a severe respiratory infection, and the Vatican has canceled his appointments through next weekend, indicating that he may need to stay in the hospital for a long time.
The Vatican said at the time that the pope was hospitalized to the Gemelli hospital in Rome last Friday after his bronchitis, which he had been battling for over a week, worsened.
Despite claiming to have a severe cold and breathing issues, the pope, who has a history of lung issues, had managed to keep up a hectic schedule of audiences and Masses in recent weeks, including outdoor appearances in freezing weather.
He asked aides to finish reading his speeches for him on multiple occasions in recent years.
Pope Francis has already acknowledged that he can be a challenging patient who disobeys medical advice.
Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a jubilee or holy year in 2025, which is anticipated to bring millions of people to Rome.
Masses, audiences, and other special events occupy the pope’s itinerary, which is currently interrupted. Vatican officials said over the weekend that the pope’s physicians had recommended complete repose.
The pope has grown more vulnerable to respiratory diseases as he ages, particularly during the winter months, after having a portion of his right lung removed when he was a young man.
In the past few years, he has required surgery for an abdominal hernia and a colon ailment, in addition to hospital stays for respiratory infections. He frequently needs a wheelchair due to back and knee issues.
When a pope dies or, in rare cases, resigns, a conclave—a meeting of cardinals to choose a new pope—occurs. Pope Francis, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected at the most recent conclave in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned due to his advanced age and deteriorating health.
Even while undergoing surgery, Pope Francis stated in his new book that he has never considered stepping down.
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