POPE Francis is “stable” but will remain in hospital as medics treat him for a “complex” condition, the Vatican announced.
The pontiff, 88, is said to be touched by the well wishes from his supporters and is pushing on with work – despite his fragile state.
The Pope was taken to hospital on February 14, and has remained there for the past few nights for treatment of a respiratory infection.
Information about his sickness became known today when The Vatican declared that he would remain hospitalized for an extended period due to complications that arose.
But this evening, Catholics around the world received the welcome news that their leader was stable and free from fever.
The Vatican’s announcement stated: “The Pope remains without a fever and is receiving the recommended treatment. His medical status is steady.”
“This morning he received the Eucharist and subsequently dedicated himself to some work activities and reading texts.”
Pope Francis is said to be “touched” by the outpouring of support he has received, which includes messages of affection and drawings.
He is particularly grateful for well wishes from other people currently staying in hospital, the Vatican said.
After enduring bronchitis symptoms for over a week, the Pope has been closely monitored ever since he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy.
He is said to have insisted on finishing his morning audiences on Friday before leaving the Vatican for hospital.
The admission meant he was unable to delivery his regular weekly prayer on Sunday to pilgrims in St Peter’s square, as well as a scheduled special mass for artists marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Vatican official Matteo Bruni revealed that tests over the past few days have indicated he is suffering from a “complex clinical picture”.
They added that the discovery of a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract” changed his course of treatment.
Polymicrobial infections are caused by a mix of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Monday’s update reassured the Catholic world that the Pope continued to “read and work” even this morning.
No estimate has been given for when the Pope will be discharged, but the Vatican said the complexity of his symptoms “will require an appropriate hospital stay”.
Matteo, director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters on Monday morning that the Pope was in good spirits.
He is said to have called the Christian parish in Gaza on Friday and Saturday to speak with the local faith leaders.
Father Gabriel Romanelli is head of the Gazan parish, and has spoken with Pope Francis frequently throughout the almost 15-month conflict.
He told Vatican reporters: “The Holy Father called us the first two days of hospitalisation, people were waiting at 8pm Gaza time as always.”
He added: “Although we had a blackout in the whole area of Gaza City, he insisted and managed to contact us with a video-call.”
The Father said the Pope’s frail state could be noticed in his voice: “We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said: ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well.”
Pope Francis had been struggling with breathlessness last week amid his bronchitis, and found it difficult to finish some of his speeches.
His next scheduled commitment is his weekly general audience on Wednesday.
That and subsequent events remain on the Vatican’s official schedule, but the Pope’s involvement now seems in doubt.
Pilgrims visiting the Vatican on Monday offered their hopes that Francis would recover soon.
Rev Tyler Carter, a Catholic priest from the US, said: “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly. He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.”
