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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis has been diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory tract, requiring changes in his hospital treatment, as stated by the Vatican on Monday, as reported by Reuters. The medical examination results have indicated a complex clinical condition experienced by the 88-year-old Pope, necessitating several days of treatment until his condition improves.
The Argentine Pope has been suffering from a respiratory infection for over a week and has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Friday.
"The tests performed over the past few days and today have revealed the presence of a polymicrobial infection in the respiratory tract, leading to further modifications in therapy," said the Vatican in a brief statement.
"All tests performed up to now have shown a complex clinical situation that requires appropriate inpatient care."
In their latest report in the evening, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis is in a "stable" condition and is without fever.
From the hospital, Pope Francis continues to make calls to the sole Catholic parish in Gaza, Palestine, according to a local priest residing in the area. The Pope mentioned having regular contact with the parish since the start of the Israeli genocide in Gaza in October 2023.
"He informed us, 'I am not well' and you could see he is tired," said the local priest, Pastor Gabriel Romanelli, to the Italian public broadcaster Rai about the video call he had with the Pope on Saturday.
Romanelli, a fellow Argentine, quoted Pope Francis as saying, "A few days (in the hospital) and I will be back." Pope Francis jokingly added, "I am not an easy patient for the doctors, because I always talk, always very active."
The Vatican stated that Pope Francis has been doing some work and reading newspapers on Monday.
VIRUS OR BACTERIA?
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni did not specify whether the Pope is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection.
Although bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, viral infections cannot. Viral infections generally clear up on their own, but patients can be aided with other medication to reduce fever or help the body fight the infection.
Polymicrobial infections are caused by two or more microorganisms, and can be due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Rev Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and medical doctor, stated that polymicrobial is a general term that does not specify the root cause of the infection.
Vicini, who claimed not to be aware of Pope Francis' case outside of Vatican's public statement, also emphasized the importance of Vatican's statement that the Pope was having breakfast, indicating that he is not using respiratory assistance.
"This also means his body is not weakened to the point where he is unable to take in food and digest it," said Vicini, a professor at Boston College.
Pope Francis, who has been serving as Pope since 2013, has suffered from influenza and other health issues several times in the last two years. In his younger days, he suffered from pleurisy and had one of his lungs removed, and in recent times, he has been vulnerable to lung infections.
The Vatican announced that Pope's weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025, has been canceled "as the Holy Father is still being treated at the hospital".
The Pope's doctors had previously instructed total rest, and Pope Francis is unable to deliver his regular Sunday prayers to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square or lead a special Mass for artists to mark the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.
Pilgrims visiting the Vatican on Monday expressed hope for Pope Francis' swift recovery.
"We certainly pray for his speedy recovery," said Father Tyler Carter, a Catholic pastor from the United States. "He is our father and shepherd, so we want his health and blessings to continue."
Manuel Rossi, a tourist from Milan, Italy, said he was "quite worried" when the Pope canceled his appearance on Sunday.
"I am 18 years old so I have only seen a little of the Pope in my life, and I am very close to him," Rossi said. "I hope he recovers as soon as possible."
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