Pope Francis Stable Following Hospitalization for Respiratory Infection

Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for a respiratory tract infection. His condition is stable, and he continues to receive unspecified drug therapy. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his demanding schedule, was admitted on Friday after a bout of bronchitis worsened. This marks his fourth hospitalization since being elected pope in 2013. His hospitalization history includes a three-day stay in 2023 for acute pneumonia. Doctors this time around have prescribed absolute rest, causing the Vatican to cancel his events through at least Monday.

Despite his bronchitis diagnosis on Feb. 6, Francis maintained a busy schedule until he was hospitalized. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the pope's hospital stay involves periods of reading and resting. The Vatican culture minister led a Mass initially planned for Francis. He did not make his usual Sunday appearance to give a blessing, even opting out of waving from his hospital window, but the Vatican says he did follow the Mass on television. Pope Francis' social media account, managed by the Vatican, thanked followers for their prayers. The account said: "Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)