Pope Francis diagnosed with complex respiratory tract infection

Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Photo: apnews.com

On February 17, 2025, a Vatican representative announced that Pope Francis’s respiratory infection presents a “complex clinical picture” that will require further hospitalization, according to the Associated Press.

Amid growing concerns about the deteriorating health of the 88-year-old pontiff, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that test results conducted on Monday indicate that the pope is suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory infection. Scientists note that such infections are caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

The duration of the pope’s hospitalization was not specified. Bruni stated that the complexity of his symptoms “will require an appropriate hospital stay.”

Previously, it was reported that Pope Francis had been admitted a Roman hospital for bronchitis treatment.

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