Pope Francis is undergoing treatment for “complex clinical situations” and will remain in the hospital when necessary, the Vatican said.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Gemeri Hospital in Rome on Friday to receive treatment and tests for bronchitis.
In Monday’s update, the Vatican said the bishop had a “multi-microbial infection” in his respiratory system.
Before entering last week, the Pope had been suffering from bronchitis symptoms for several days and delegated officials to read the speeches prepared at the event.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters Monday that the Pope was fine.
A brief statement on his condition stated, “All tests performed so far show a complex clinical picture that requires proper hospitalization.”
The Pope’s weekly general audience, which usually takes place every Wednesday, was cancelled this week, the statement added.
Bruni added that further updates on the Pope’s status will be released later Monday.
Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and was told he would take “full rest” to help him recover.
The Pope was unable to deliver regular weekly prayers at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, or to lead a special Mass for the artist to mark the year of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee.
Last Wednesday, the Pope asked the priest to read some of his speeches due to the difficulties of illness.
He also held a meeting at a Vatican residence last week to try to rest and recover.
The Argentine Pope spent nearly 12 years as a leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
He previously spent three nights in the same hospital in March 2023 to treat bronchitis.
In December of the same year, he was forced to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates due to a COP28 Climate Summit due to another illness.
He has suffered from many health issues throughout his life. Among them, at the age of 21, one of his lungs was removed.
