Pope Francis diagnosed with complex respiratory tract infection

Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Photo: apnews.com

On February 17, 2025, a Vatican representative announced that Pope Francis’s respiratory infection presents a “complex clinical picture” that will require further hospitalization, according to the Associated Press.

Amid growing concerns about the deteriorating health of the 88-year-old pontiff, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that test results conducted on Monday indicate that the pope is suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory infection. Scientists note that such infections are caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

The duration of the pope’s hospitalization was not specified. Bruni stated that the complexity of his symptoms “will require an appropriate hospital stay.”

Previously, it was reported that Pope Francis had been admitted a Roman hospital for bronchitis treatment.

Read also

Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos

The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.

UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary

Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.

Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”

The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl

UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.

Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom

The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.

Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million

Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.