The Vatican on Tuesday scrapped Pope Francis’ public schedule and audiences through the weekend, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from bilateral pneumonia.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Sunday with a polymicrobial infection, sidelining him from the Jubilee Holy Year celebrations meant to draw tens of millions to Rome.
On Tuesday, the Vatican revealed that what had been described as a complex case of bronchitis is actually pneumonia in both lungs.
Francis’ absence is already reshuffling the Jubilee calendar, with a Feb. 25 Mass for deacons now in the hands of an archbishop amid growing uncertainty over whether Francis will return in time for the next major events on March 8-9.
A Vatican spokesperson told The Associated Press that the pope had a calm night of rest and was able to eat breakfast and read the paper on Tuesday morning.
The Vatican has said a more detailed medical update could be expected later.
Those who have spoken to Francis during his recovery say he remains in “good spirits,” the BBC reported.
The pope last week was unable to attend an event for artists at the Vatican, adding to growing concerns about his ability to keep up with the packed schedule of the 2025 Jubilee — a once-every-quarter-century event.
Francis has reportedly remained engaged in some of his pastoral duties from his hospital bed.
Throughout the war in Gaza, he has made daily calls to a Catholic parish there to check on its clergy and parishioners.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine priest who leads the Gaza parish, told Vatican News that he spoke with Francis on Friday and Saturday.
“We heard his voice,” Father Romanelli said, noting that the pope had been directed to rest. On Sunday, he received only a text message from Francis.
“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,” Father Romanelli said.
Francis’ current hospitalization is just the latest in a slew of health challenges he has faced as pope.
In March 2023, he was admitted to a hospital for three nights for treatment of a bout of bronchitis. A few months later, in June, he underwent a three-hour operation to mend an abdominal hernia.
By December, he made headlines again when he appeared at St. Peter’s Basilica with a dark bruise on his chin while presiding over the installation of 21 new cardinals. The Vatican dismissed any concerns, saying he had merely suffered a minor fall.
And in 2021, the pontiff spent 10 days at Gemelli University Hospital after undergoing surgery to remove 13 inches of his colon. Francis had part of his right lung removed due to a severe infection in his 20s.
His declining health has fueled speculation about whether he might retire, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. But Francis has repeatedly dismissed the idea, saying he views the papacy as a lifelong mission.
In his autobiography published last year, Francis acknowledged that some of his internal critics may have hoped he would step down after a hospital stay, but he insisted he has no plans to do so.
“I believe the pope’s ministry is ad vitam, for life, and I therefore see no justification for giving it up,” he wrote.
The public gathered outside the Vatican is reportedly showing its support for the sick pontiff.
Francis has also been receiving letters of care, according to the Holy See press office, including drawings and handmade cards from children in the pediatric oncology unit. Monday’s statement said the pontiff was “touched” by the affection.
For now, Francis remains under medical supervision — with no indication from the Vatican of when he will be discharged.
• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.
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