Saturday, January 15, 2025, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, reported in the morning on the state of health of the Holy Father (88 years old), hospitalized the day before for a respiratory infection. "He spent a peaceful night [...] had breakfast and read some newspapers."

"During the morning, the Pope received the Eucharist and alternated moments of rest with times of prayer and reading [...]"

Messages of closeness have come from many quarters, especially from the Churches, but also from many of the faithful on social networks. "The Pope expressed his gratitude for the many messages of closeness and affection received."

"The diocesan community of Rome," reads a note from the diocese, "expresses its closeness to the Holy Father, having learned the news of his admission to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital. All the people of God in Rome join their bishop at this time, assuring him of our prayers for a speedy recovery." The Italian Episcopal Conference for its part wished the Holy Father "a speedy recovery" assuring him of its prayers.

On Saturday morning, in the Vatican Basilica, about 5,000 pilgrims, who had come to Rome to attend the Jubilee audience, which was canceled, prayed for the health of the Holy Father.

Later in the day, Matteo Bruni reported that the tests Francis underwent showed an "improvement in some values" but confirmed a respiratory tract infection. For this reason, the Sovereign Pontiff will not preside over the Angelus prayer on Sunday, February 16, 2025, following the prescription of the medical team who imposes on him an "absolute rest" to "facilitate his recovery".

Although not presiding over the Angelus, Pope Francis nevertheless "plans to send the text" that he had planned to read, reports the press office of the Holy See.

According to Italian media, Pope Francis could remain in hospital for several more days.

It should be noted that the Pope has displayed declining health in recent years. Hip problems, knee pain, operations, partial removal of a lung in his youth, the Pope had already suffered from two bronchitis in 2023. The Holy Father has been using a wheelchair since 2022 due to persistent pain in one knee and must rely on a cane during the rare moments when he stands. He has also recently started wearing a hearing aid.

S/ TB/ HaitiLibre