Feb. 17 (UPI) — The Vatican said on Monday that Pope Francis was being treated for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain hospitalized for as long as needed.
Test results for Francis, 88, showed he had a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract” after he was initially taken to Gemelli Hospital on Friday to undergo treatment for bronchitis and additional tests, the Vatican said.
“All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalization,” it said.
The pope had symptoms of bronchitis for several days before he was admitted where he had officials read his speeches at events.
A Vatican official described the pope as being “in good spirits” on Monday. The pope’s office said that the pontiff is no longer experiencing a fever and that his treatment has been modified, including bed rest, as part of his ongoing treatment.
“Pope Francis has been updated on the many messages of closeness and affection received and expresses his gratitude, asking at the same time to continue to pray for him,” the Vatican said, according to the National Catholic Register.
The pope had praised his medical staff earlier, saying “they perform invaluable and demanding work — let us support them with our prayers.”
Friends had urged Pope Francis to seek treatment for the symptoms and welcomed the hospitalization and rest as a benefit to the busy pope.
Pope Francis, who had led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, could not give his regular weekly prayer at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday with doctors listing him in stable condition. He also missed a mass for artists marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.