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Pope Francis continues to be hospitalized with a respiratory infection

February 17, 2025 TruthUSA

The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling bronchitis for over a week and was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14.

Pope Francis is still in the hospital as of Feb. 17, grappling with bronchitis in a complex medical situation, according to the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pope has been struggling with the respiratory illness for more than a week and was hospitalized at Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome on Feb. 14 after experiencing difficulty speaking at a meeting earlier that day.

“The results of recent medical tests revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, leading to a change in treatment,” the Holy See’s media office announced on Monday.

“All tests conducted so far point to a complex medical condition that necessitates appropriate hospitalization.”

The Vatican confirmed that the pope’s weekly general audience at St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 19 has been canceled.

It was not specified in the Vatican’s statements whether the pope’s respiratory infection was bacterial or viral.

While bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Viral infections usually need to run their course, but patients can be aided with other medications to assist their bodies in fighting the infection or reducing their fever.

The Epoch Times reached out to the Holy See’s media office for more information on the pope’s condition but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Spokesperson Matteo Bruni mentioned that despite his hospitalization, the pope is in good spirits.

The Vatican’s official news service reported that the pope was able to engage with Catholic parishioners in the Gaza Strip on Friday and Saturday, as he has done consistently during the nearly 15 months of conflict there between Israeli forces and Hamas.

“We heard his voice. While he seems more fatigued, his voice was clear and he listened to us attentively,” stated Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Gaza parish’s leader.

Pope Francis communicated with the Gaza parish again on Feb. 16, this time through text.

“The Holy Family parish was not expecting the pope’s call. Nevertheless, he sent a message thanking Father Romanelli for the parish’s support and prayers and imparted his blessing,” as reported by the Vatican’s news service.

Pope Francis also expressed gratitude on the social media platform X on Sunday, appreciating those who have shown support during his hospitalization.

“Thank you for the affection, prayers, and closeness that you have shown me during this time,” the pope’s message read.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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