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.

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