By Vatican News
A statement released to journalists by the Holy See Press Office on Friday evening said “Following the worsening of his bronchitis in recent days,” Pope Francis, who was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday morning, “has undergone specialist examinations and has begun hospital pharmacological treatment.”
It specified that “initial tests indicate a respiratory tract infection. His clinical condition is stable, with a slight fever.”
In conversation with journalists, Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, said: “The Pope is calm, he is in good spirits, and has read some newspapers.”
Following his hospitalization to treat bronchitis, adjustments have been made to the upcoming Jubilee events.
“The Jubilee Audience scheduled for tomorrow, Feb 15, has been cancelled. The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, set to take place on Sunday, Feb 16, will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education”.
“Furthermore, the meeting with artists, originally planned for Monday at Cinecittà, will not take place due to the Pope’s inability to attend,” the statement continued.
The Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital following his morning audiences on Friday, Feb 14, explaining that the Pope was scheduled to undergo several diagnostic tests and continue treatment for his ongoing bout of bronchitis.
The Holy Father has been suffering from bronchitis for several days, as he has noted during a couple of public audiences.
He has asked his collaborators to read his prepared remarks at the last two Wednesday General Audiences, among other events.
Already on Feb 6, the Holy See Press Office had released a statement noting that the Pope was suffering from bronchitis and would hold his audiences at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.
Article updated at 18.40 – Vatican News
