Treatment has been changed to deal with a problem that involves polymicrobial infection of the airway
Pope Francis’ treatment, in the hospital on the fourth day in a row, was changed to deal with a “complex clinical situation” involving polymicrobial infection – that is, by more than one microorganism, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi – from breathing roads, he said The Vatican this Monday (17).
“The results of the tests performed in recent days and today have demonstrated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which led to a new modification of therapy,” the Vatican said after describing his condition as stable the day before. “All tests performed so far are indicative of a complex clinical condition that will require proper hospitalization.”
In the morning, the director of the Vatican press room, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope had slept well and spent a quiet night. “This morning, he had breakfast and dedicated himself, as always, to read some newspapers,” he said.
He did not specify whether the infection is bacterial or viral – information is important because only the first can be treated with antibiotic. Virus usually fulfill their cycle while the patient is assisted with other medications to control fever or help the body combat the infection.
Also on Monday, the Vatican said that the Pope’s weekly audience in São Pedro Square, scheduled for Wednesday, was canceled “due to the continuous hospitalization of the Holy Father.”
The 88-year-old pontiff has suffered from bronchitis for over a week and was hospitalized on Friday morning (14) at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome. At the time, the doctors recommended absolute rest, which prevented Francis from holding their weekly Sunday prayer to pilgrims in São Pedro Square or leading a special mass to mark the Jubilee of the Catholic Church, celebrated every 25 years.
While in the hospital during the weekend, the Pope continued his recently acquired habit of making telephone calls to speak with members of a Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, the Italian broadcaster mediated on Monday reported.
One of the parish members said Francis had called both Friday and Saturday (15) and was in a good mood, but it seemed “a little tired.”
The Vatican also canceled the Pope’s planned visit to Cinecittà’s famous film studios in Rome, scheduled for this Monday. “Thanks for the affection, prayer and proximity with which they accompany me these days,” wrote the Pope on Sunday.
Faithful who visited the Vatican on Monday showed concern.
“We certainly want him to improve very quickly,” said Oo Reverend Tyler Carter, a Catholic Father of the United States. “He is our father and our pastor, and we want his health and continuous blessing.”
Manuel Rossi, a tourist from Milan, Italy, said he was “very worried” when the Pope canceled his appearance on Sunday. “I’m 18, so I saw few popes in my life and I’m very close to him,” he said. “I hope it recovers as soon as possible.”
Before being hospitalized, the religious leader asked for help to read speeches twice in a week. On the first occasion, at the Sunday Mass on February 9, the Pontiff asked for help to finish reading his homily due to “difficulties to breathe.”
Three days later, he made the order again during his weekly Vatican hearing. “Let me ask the priest to keep reading because I can not yet with my bronchitis. I hope next time I can, ”he said.
The Jesuit, elected Pope in 2013, has suffered several health problems in recent years, including knee and hips pain, colon inflammation and a hernia operation.
Francisco, who had a part of one of his lungs removed when he was young, was hospitalized for three days by 2023 due to a bronchitis, treated with antibiotics. The Pope suffered two falls recently, hurting his chin in December and his arm in January.
