Vatican Cancels More Holy Year Events as Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis remains hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection, prompting the Vatican to cancel upcoming Holy Year events. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on Friday after a worsening bout of bronchitis, later diagnosed as a polymicrobial infection. With uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline, key Holy Year celebrations, including scheduled audiences and Masses, have been reassigned to other clergy.
Pope Francis’ Health and Vatican Quick Look:
- Pope Francis Hospitalized: Admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital with a complex respiratory infection.
- Holy Year Disruptions: Vatican cancels papal audiences and reassigns Masses to other clergy.
- Ongoing Recovery: Pope Francis remains alert, eating, and reading but requires extended care.
- Past Health Concerns: History of lung issues makes respiratory infections a recurring concern.
- Upcoming Events: The March 8-9 Holy Year weekend for volunteers remains uncertain.
Vatican Cancels More Holy Year Events as Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized
Deep Look:
Pope Francis, 88, continues to receive medical treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital after being diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory infection. The Vatican confirmed Tuesday that his condition remains stable but requires an “adequate” hospital stay, leading to the cancellation of several key papal audiences and Holy Year events.
Impact on the Holy Year Celebrations
The Holy Year, a major Catholic event held once every 25 years, is expected to bring millions of pilgrims to Rome. However, with Pope Francis’ hospitalization, major events are being reassigned. This weekend was originally dedicated to deacons, with Francis expected to ordain them during a special Mass. Instead, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the main organizer of the Jubilee, will take over the role.
The Vatican’s decision follows a similar move last weekend when artists attending a Jubilee Mass had to be presided over by a cardinal instead of the pope. The uncertainty over Francis’ health also casts doubt on the next major Holy Year gathering, the March 8-9 event for volunteers.
Medical Condition and Treatment
The pope was admitted on Friday after experiencing worsening symptoms of bronchitis. Doctors later diagnosed him with a polymicrobial infection, a condition that involves multiple bacteria or viruses in the respiratory tract, requiring targeted medical care.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed that Francis had a restful night and resumed eating breakfast and reading on Tuesday. However, officials have not provided an exact timeline for his discharge.
Francis, who had part of a lung removed in his youth due to a severe infection, has a history of respiratory illnesses. His condition worsened after ignoring medical advice and participating in outdoor events despite cold winter weather. On Feb. 9, he insisted on attending a Jubilee Mass for the armed forces, despite visible breathing difficulties.
Concerns Over Papal Workload
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained engaged in his duties, reportedly making a daily call to a Catholic parish in Gaza to check on the local Christian community. Vatican aides have acknowledged that he often pushes himself too far, even when unwell.
Francis’ current hospital stay has already lasted longer than his 2023 hospitalization for pneumonia, raising concerns about his long-term health and ability to lead the extensive Holy Year celebrations.
As the Vatican continues to monitor his condition, further adjustments to the Holy Year schedule may be necessary.
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