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Pope Francis remains in Rome hospital for third day, treatment continues

16 February 2025 21:40 (UTC +04:00)

Pope Francis, 88, spent a third day in a Roman hospital on Sunday, with the Vatican saying that he was in a stable condition and that his treatment was ongoing after he was admitted with a respiratory tract infection, APA reports citing Reuters.

Francis had spent the afternoon alternating between resting and reading, the Vatican added in a brief statement.

His doctors have advised complete rest and Francis was unable to deliver his regular Sunday prayer to pilgrims in St Peter's Square or lead a special mass for artists held to mark the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.

"I would have liked to be among you but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis," Francis said in a short written version of the prayer issued by the Vatican.

"Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days, and I would like to thank the doctors and healthcare workers in this hospital for their care," he added.