POPE Francis is “stable” but will remain in hospital as medics treat him for a “complex” condition, the Vatican announced.
The pontiff, 88, is said to be touched by the well wishes of his supporters and pushing on with work – despite his fragile state.
AFPPope Francis, 88, was hospitalised earlier this week[/caption]
ReutersHe is being kept in hospital after medics found complications with his respiratory infection[/caption]
The Pope was taken to hospital on February 14, and has remained there for the past few nights for treatment of a respiratory infection.
Details of his illness emerged this afternoon, when The Vatican announced he would be staying in hospital for a longer stretch after complications were discovered.
But this evening, Catholics around the world received the welcome news that their leader was stable and free from fever.
A statement from the Vatican read: “The Holy Father continues to be afebrile [without fever] and is continuing the prescribed therapy. His clinical conditions are stable.
“This morning he received the Eucharist and subsequently dedicated himself to some work activities and reading texts.”
Pope Francis is said to be “touched” by the outpouring of support he has received, which includes messages of affection and drawings.
He is particularly grateful for well wishes from other people currently staying in hospital, the Vatican said.
The Pope has been under close observation since being taken to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after more than a week of suffering with bronchitis.
He is said to have insisted on finishing his morning audiences on Friday before leaving the Vatican for hospital.
The admission meant he was unable to delivery his regular weekly prayer on Sunday to pilgrims in St Peter’s square, as well as a scheduled special mass for artists marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Officials revealed that tests over the past few days have indicated he is suffering from a “complex clinical picture”.
They added that the discovery of a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract” changed his course of treatment.
Polymicrobial infections are caused by a mix of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Today’s later update reassured the Catholic world that the Pope continued to “read and work” even this morning.
No estimate has been given for when the Pope will be discharged, but the Vatican said the complexity of his symptoms “will require an appropriate hospital stay”.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters this morning that the Pope was in good spirits.
He is said to have called the Christian parish in Gaza on Friday and Saturday to speak with the local faith leaders.
Father Gabriel Romanelli is head of the Gazan parish, and has spoken with Pope Francis frequently throughout the almost 15-month conflict.
He told Vatican reporters: “The Holy Father called us the first two days of hospitalisation, people were waiting at 8pm Gaza time as always.”
He added: “Although we had a blackout in the whole area of Gaza City, he insisted and managed to contact us with a video-call.”
The Father said the Pope’s frail state could be noticed in his voice: “We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said: ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well.”
AFPThe Catholic leader is said to be stable and still carrying out work[/caption]