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
Blake Lively reveals her cozy holiday traditions with Ryan Reynolds and their kids

Blake Lively Shares Intimate Holiday Traditions with Ryan Reynolds and Their Children

Blake Lively recently offered fans a peek into her heartwarming holiday festivities…
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…
Trevor Lawrence runs for 2 scores as Jaguars close in on AFC South title with 23-17 win over Colts

Trevor Lawrence’s Dual Touchdowns Propel Jaguars Toward AFC South Crown in Victory Over Colts

With a decisive victory over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars are…
Influencer Real Tarzann seriously injured in skydiving wreck

Influencer Real Tarzann Sustains Serious Injuries in Skydiving Accident

Wildlife influencer Mike Holston, known to his followers as “The Real Tarzann,”…
One person is dead and another is injured in midair helicopter crash in New Jersey, officials say

Tragic Midair Helicopter Collision in New Jersey Leaves One Dead, Another Injured

Posted: Dec 28, 2025 / 12:59 PM CST Updated: Dec 28, 2025…
Chicago crime: Police department warns of fake rideshare driver accused of sexual assault incidents in Old Town, Gold Coast

Giovanni Rosales Espinoza Apprehended and Charged with Aggravated Kidnapping in Porter, Texas, Reports MCSO

In a disturbing incident on Christmas Day, a Texas man has been…
Butcher behind 'some of the most brutal crimes in human history'

Infamous Butcher Linked to History’s Grisliest Crimes Uncovered

In the public eye, he was the picture of composure and assurance,…
FBI gives update on daycare accused of $4M taxpayer fraud

FBI Unveils Latest Developments in $4 Million Taxpayer Fraud Case Involving Daycare Facility

FBI Director Kash Patel has announced an intensified effort to tackle fraud…