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.
Read also
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.
UOC parish in Cologne donates ultrasound machine to Kharkiv region hospital
In Cologne, UOC believers raised funds for an ultrasound machine for the Kehychivka district hospital in the Kharkiv region.
Shevchuk tells Pope Leo of Ukraine's preparations for "another harsh winter"
The head of the UGCC expressed "special gratitude" to the Pope for his phone calls with Putin and Zelensky.
Berlin hierarch comments on Phanar document published by UOJ-USA
Metropolitan Mark called the information about the 2018 "Unification Council" alarming if confirmed, and expressed hope that Patriarch Bartholomew will reconsider his position.
UOC marks Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn Land at Lutsk cathedral
Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets led the Liturgy on the feast day of the Lutsk cathedral of All Saints of the Volyn Land.
SBU detains OCU cleric who organized draft evader's escape for money
In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers detained a clergyman of the OCU who arranged for a draft evader to be smuggled into Slovakia for $15,000.