Vatican City, Feb 17 — Pope Francis spent a fourth consecutive day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Monday, as he continues treatment for a respiratory tract infection, the Vatican confirmed. Officials stated that the 88-year-old pontiff remains in stable condition.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that Pope Francis had slept well overnight and eaten breakfast on Monday. A further update on his health is expected later in the day.
Francis was admitted to the hospital on Friday after struggling with bronchitis for over a week. Doctors have recommended complete rest, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled public engagements, including his traditional Sunday prayer at St. Peter’s Square and a special mass for artists marking the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.
Despite his hospitalization, the pope has maintained contact with the outside world. Italian broadcaster Mediaset reported that he made phone calls over the weekend to members of a Catholic parish in Gaza. A parish member noted that Francis was in “good humor” but sounded “a bit tired.”
On Sunday, the Vatican reiterated that his condition was stable and that he would remain hospitalized “as long as required.” His planned visit to Rome’s Cinecittà film studios, scheduled for Monday, has been canceled.
Expressing gratitude for the well-wishes he has received, the pope wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Thank you for the affection, prayer, and closeness with which you accompany me in these days.”
Francis, who has faced ongoing health challenges in recent years, underwent abdominal surgery last year and has been seen using a wheelchair due to knee pain. His latest hospitalization raises fresh concerns about his ability to maintain his demanding schedule as leader of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican is expected to provide further updates on his condition in the coming days.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance lashed out on Tuesday at what he called "disgraceful" European...
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran and the United States, along with their allies, have a...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that...
The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday....
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others in...
The year 2025 proved to be one of the most transformative periods for the Roman Catholic Church in recent history, beginning with the death of Pope Francis and culminating in the election and early diplomatic outreach of his successor, Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo has criticised corporate pay packages that grant executives hundreds of times more than workers, citing Tesla’s $1 trillion compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk. The remarks came in excerpts from his first media interview, released on Sunday by Catholic news site Crux.
Pope Leo has called on the leaders of Iran and Israel to show restraint and choose dialogue over conflict, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” amid growing fears of escalation following recent airstrikes.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for one of its most ancient and secretive traditions: the papal conclave. This process to elect the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church combines centuries-old rituals with modern security measures to ensure
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's "whole civilisation" on Tuesday in a post on social media. Meanwhile, the UN failed to reach an agreemement on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes.
As Hungary approaches a crucial vote, younger citizens who grew up under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are increasingly backing the opposition, with some saying they may leave if he secures another term.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance lashed out on Tuesday at what he called "disgraceful" European Union interference in Hungary's election, even as he openly endorsed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, days before the vote.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance began a visit to Budapest on Tuesday by praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces a closely contested parliamentary election on Sunday.
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others injured, according to Turkish authorities, prompting a major police response on Tuesday (7 April).
A train driver has died and several passengers have been injured after a high-speed train collided with an army lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France on Tuesday morning (7 April), the local prefecture and railway operators said in separate statements.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment