As pope remains in hospital, Vatican announces schedule changes

In another sign that Pope Francis’ stay in Rome’s Gemelli hospital will continue for some time, the Vatican announced a substitute presider for the Mass and ordinations as part of the Jubilee of Deacons.

In a brief note to journalists 18 February, the Vatican said, “Due to the Holy Father’s health condition,” his appointments had been cancelled through 22 February.

In addition, the note said, “Pope Francis has delegated Archbishop Rino Fisichella,” pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation and chief organiser of the Holy Year 2025, to celebrate the Mass and ordinations of permanent deacons 23 February.

The 88-year-old pope was hospitalised 14 February after more than a week of suffering from bronchitis and difficulty breathing.

A source, who was not authorised to speak on the record, said 18 February that the pope was breathing on his own without the need for supplemental oxygen.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters 18 February that the pope again had rested well overnight, was eating regularly, reading newspapers and doing some work.

The Vatican had said 17 February that test results showed that the pope is suffering from a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which required a further modification of his therapy.” Polymicrobial means multiple pathogens are involved.

The pope, who underwent surgery in 1957 to remove part of one of his lungs after suffering a severe respiratory infection, has been susceptible to colds and bouts of bronchitis.

In March 2023, he was hospitalised at Gemelli for three days for what doctors said was a respiratory infection. Pope Francis later said it had been “an acute and strong pneumonia.”