Pope Francis has been hospitalized for four days, and it was reported by Reuters and others on the 17th (local time) that the hospitalization period may be extended.
On this day, the Vatican stated that "the Pope's respiratory infection test results show a complicated clinical situation," adding, "Therefore, he will remain in the hospital for the necessary period."
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican's spokesperson, reported that test results conducted up until that day indicated that the Pope is suffering from multibacterial respiratory infection. This means that the treatment method must change for the second time since he was hospitalized on the 14th.
Additionally, that evening, the Vatican announced that the Pope is in a stable condition without a fever.
Multibacterial infections are categorized as bacterial or viral.
However, the Vatican did not disclose details regarding the nature of the Pope's infection.
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
In the case of viruses, natural healing is possible, and other medications are taken to reduce fever or help the body fight the infection.
The Pope, who has been suffering from bronchitis since the beginning of this month, was hospitalized at the Rome Gemelli Hospital on the 14th for tests and treatment.
The 88-year-old Pope, who underwent partial lung resection in his youth, is known to be often afflicted with bronchitis or other respiratory diseases, especially during the winter.
In March 2023, he was hospitalized for acute pneumonia and was discharged after three days. This year, the hospitalization period has been longer than that time in 2023.
In addition to chronic respiratory diseases, the Pope suffers from various ailments such as neuralgia and knee pain that makes movement difficult without a wheelchair or cane.
Following the medical team's recommendation for complete rest until treatment is completed, the Pope has canceled all scheduled events.
The Pope missed the usual Sunday prayer at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on the 16th and also canceled the general audience scheduled for the 19th.