Pope Francis cancels weekly prayer appearance as 88 year old Pontiff remains in hospital with bronchitis

Pope Francis has canceled his weekly Sunday prayer appearance as he remains hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday morning after suffering from bronchitis for over a week.

In an official statement, the Vatican confirmed his absence and emphasized that he would remain under medical care as long as necessary to ensure a full recovery. His medical team made the decision to cancel the appearance “to facilitate his recovery,” underscoring the need for rest and close monitoring

On Saturday, the Pope’s treatment was slightly modified based on additional microbiological findings, with Vatican officials noting “today’s laboratory tests showed an improvement in some values.” Despite signs of progress, no definitive timeline has been set for his release.

“We will see how he reacts to treatment. I don’t have a precise date for his release,” stated Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican’s press office. A later update reassured the public that Francis “did not show any fever” and had received Communion, spending his time alternating between rest, prayer, and reading.

The Gemelli Hospital, Rome’s largest medical facility, has a special papal suite that has historically been used to treat Popes, including the late John Paul II during his 26-year papacy. Francis himself was previously treated in the same ward in June 2023 for an abdominal hernia

Outside the hospital, worshippers gathered at the statue of Pope John Paul II, offering prayers for Francis’ swift recovery. “We found out yesterday morning, with sadness,” said Giovanni Di Muro, an Italian visiting his son in the hospital. “We hope it’s nothing serious, and that everything will be fine.

This hospitalization marks the Pope’s fourth stay at Gemelli in recent years. Francis, who now relies on a wheelchair, walker, or cane due to a series of falls, has endured various health challenges, including influenza, abdominal surgery, and recurring lung infections. His respiratory issues stem from major lung surgery he underwent in his youth after developing pleurisy.

Concerns over his health had been mounting even before his hospitalization. Last month, during several public events, he struggled to read statements, with aides stepping in to deliver his prepared remarks. However, despite these difficulties, he had been maintaining an exceptionally demanding schedule

Since Christmas, Francis has presided over Jubilee events every other weekend while handling a packed calendar of private audiences. On Monday alone, he met with the Vatican ambassador to Croatia, a group of visiting bishops from Madagascar, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, a candidate for the next UNESCO chief, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, and Russian painter Nikas Safronov.

This weekend, he had been scheduled to meet with artists and lead a Jubilee audience at Rome’s renowned Cinecittà Studios, but the Vatican has since canceled those appearances.

While his condition appears stable, concerns remain over how much longer he can sustain his physically demanding role. As the Vatican closely monitors his health, the faithful continue to pray for his strength and recovery, hoping that the Pope will soon be able to resume his duties