Pope Francis will stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for as long as necessary to treat a respiratory infection, the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni confirmed on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted on Friday, is undergoing diagnostic tests and responding well to treatment. “We will see how he reacts,” Bruni said, adding that no discharge date has been set .
Francis slept well overnight, and his fever did not rise, Bruni reported. A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, noted the pope had no fever Saturday morning. This confirmation is coming as the pontiff has been battling bronchitis for over a week, hence his hospitalization.
Gemelli Hospital: A Familiar Setting for Papal Health Crises
Gemelli Hospital, Rome’s largest, is renowned for treating popes, including Pope John Paul II, who spent significant time there during his papacy. Francis previously stayed at Gemelli for nine days in June 2023 following abdominal hernia surgery. The hospital’s specialized papal suite ensures privacy and top-tier care .
Outside the hospital, crowds gathered under a statue of John Paul II to pray for Francis. “We hope it’s nothing serious,” said Giovanni Di Muro, a visitor whose son is also hospitalized. The outpouring of support reflects the pope’s global influence and the public’s concern for his health.
Pope Francis’s Health History: From Lung Surgery to Recent Struggles
Francis has faced recurring health challenges, including influenza and respiratory infections, over the past two years. As a young adult, he underwent lung surgery after developing pleurisy, leaving him prone to lung issues. Since mid-December, he has struggled with respiratory symptoms, often delegating speech readings to aides during public events.
