Pope has eaten breakfast, read papers after another night in hospital
Share and Follow

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis read the newspapers and had breakfast on Sunday after a second night sleeping well at the hospital where the 88-year-old pope is being treated for a respiratory tract infection, the Vatican said.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said he expected to provide a further update later in the day. He noted that substantially new detailed medical information may not be forthcoming given it’s a Sunday.

The Argentine pope, a known workaholic who keeps up a grueling pace despite his many ailments, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. It was his fourth hospitalization since his 2013 election and raised questions about his increasingly precarious health.

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during his weekly general audience in the Pope Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Doctors confirmed a respiratory tract infection and prescribed “absolute rest” alongside unspecified drug therapies. Francis skipped his traditional Sunday noon blessing, declining to even come to his hospital window to wave to a small crowd below that had gathered in hopes of cheering him on.

The @Pontifex social media account, which is not written by the pope himself, thanked people for their prayers on Sunday. “Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days,” the post read.

Francis had part of one lung removed after a lung infection when he was a young man and is prone to respiratory infections. In 2023, he spent three days at Gemelli to be treated for what he later revealed was an acute case of pneumonia.

Despite his Feb. 6 bronchitis diagnosis, Francis had kept up a frenetic pace of late, packing his days with private and public audiences while taking on the added obligations of steering the Catholic Church through its Holy Year.

The Vatican has canceled his events through Monday at least. On Sunday, a Holy Year Mass he was supposed to preside over for visiting artists was instead celebrated by the Vatican culture minister.

The Vatican hasn’t specified what type of respiratory tract infection the pope has. Sometimes bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, a deeper and far more serious infection of the lungs’ air sacs. Treatment varies by severity but can include providing oxygen through a nasal tube or mask, intravenous fluids — and treatment of the underlying cause of the infection.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Tim Walz responds to Minnesota fraud scandal

Minnesota Fraud Scandal: Tim Walz Breaks Silence with Insightful Response

Tim Walz has addressed a significant fraud issue in Minnesota after a…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s Lethal Attacks Captured Global Focus Following Trump’s Intervention

JOHANNESBURG: As Christmas unfolds, millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa face threats…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three Injured in Altercation Escalating to Shooting at Westside Bar, Reports Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Authorities reported that a confrontation erupted inside Tipsy Bar & Grill, where…
Brigitte Bardot, 1960s sultry sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist dies at 91

From Iconic 60s Star to Fierce Animal Advocate: Remembering Brigitte Bardot’s Legacy at 91

In 1969, Brigitte Bardot’s striking features were chosen to embody “Marianne,” the…
Zelenskyy says fresh Russian attack on Ukraine shows Putin's 'true attitude' ahead of Trump meeting

Trump’s Meeting with Zelenskyy May Pave the Way for First Zelenskyy-Putin Call in Five Years, Source Reveals

In a recent development, discussions held on Sunday between President Donald Trump…
FILE - New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks during a news conference, in the Queens borough of New York, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa, File)

Can Zohran Mamdani’s Ambitious Vision Transform NYC? A Look at His Mayoral Promises

Zohran Mamdani is poised to make sweeping changes in New York City’s…
FanDuel Sportsbook promo code: Bet $5, get $250 bonus on Jaguars vs. Colts

Unlock $250 Bonus with FanDuel Promo: Bet $5 on Jaguars vs. Colts Showdown Today!

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Head of America's 'free enterprise' college optimistic about academia despite left-wing bias: 'there is hope'

Why the Free Enterprise College Leader Sees a Bright Future Amid Academic Left-Wing Bias

PHOENIX — Despite the prevalent perception of excessive administrative layers and a…