The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who is currently receiving treatment for a respiratory infection, has spent third night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital without complications, according to Italian news agency ANSA on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling bronchitis for over a week and was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning.
The Vatican announced on Saturday that he would remain under medical care for as long as necessary. ANSA reports that he is unlikely to be discharged before midweek.
Due to his condition, Pope Francis was unable to lead his usual Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square or preside over a special mass for artists, which was part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations.
His planned visit to Rome’s Cinecittà film studios on Monday was also canceled.
Expressing gratitude to those concerned about his health, the Pope shared on X, “Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you accompany me in these days.”
