Feb. 16 (UPI) — Pope Francis‘ doctors ordered “complete rest” after the pontiff “slept well” for a second night at a hospital with treatment of bronchitis, the Vatican said Sunday. Francis, 88, was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday for ongoing bronchitis.
“The Pope had a restful night and slept well,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said in a statement. “This morning, he read the newspapers and had breakfast as usual. Therapy continues.”
With his pharmacological therapy adjusted Saturday, he has not experienced episodes of fever, the Vatican said.
Because of ordered bed rest, the prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education celebrated Holy Mass on his behalf on Sunday morning at St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope’s text for the Sunday Angelus reflection was published by the Holy See Press Office.
“I would have liked to be among you, but as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Polyclinic because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis.” said Pope Francis, who was thankful for faithful’s prayers.
He praised the medical staff, saying “they perform invaluable and demanding work — let us support them with our prayers.”
The Jubilee Audience for Artists and the World of Culture was canceled Saturday.
The meeting with artists, originally planned for Monday at Cinecitta, will “not take place due to the Pope’s inability to attend,” the statement said.
On Friday morning, he held audiences at the Vatican before his hospitalization, including with the prime minister of Slovakia and with Mark Thompson, CNN’s chief executive. During the meeting, the pope was mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties, CNN reported.
The Vatican press office released a statement Feb. 6 noting that Francis was suffering from bronchitis and held his audience at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.