A marble statue of the late Pope John Paul II stands against the backdrop of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where Pope Francis was admitted after experiencing a weeklong episode of worsening bronchitis.

Alessandra Tarantino/AP

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Alessandra Tarantino/AP

ROME — Pope Francis has been advised by doctors to take “complete rest” as part of his modified treatment for a respiratory infection, according to a statement from the Vatican. This follows the pope’s hospitalization at the age of 88, triggered by a week-long struggle with bronchitis that worsened.

As advised by his medical team, Francis will not conduct his customary Sunday noon blessing, which he could have delivered from his hospital room if his condition allowed.

On his first night in the hospital, the pope reportedly had a restful sleep, enjoyed breakfast, caught up on the news, and received the Eucharist. The Vatican noted that he balanced resting with moments of prayer and reading throughout the afternoon.

The Argentine pope was brought to Rome’s Gemelli hospital after his bronchitis took a turn for the worse. This marks his fourth hospitalization since taking office in 2013 and raises concerns regarding his health stability.

Preliminary examinations indicated a respiratory tract infection, which was confirmed later. A report from the Vatican late in the afternoon revealed that the pope had no fever and recorded some health improvements.

Due to health considerations, the Vatican has postponed his audiences until at least Monday.

Pope Francis, who is prone to respiratory infections, was diagnosed with bronchitis previously on February 6. Despite this, he continued to engage in daily audiences from his Vatican hotel suite and presided over an outdoor Mass last weekend. He has been delegating speeches to aides, citing difficulties in breathing.

“To support his recovery, medical staff have prescribed absolute rest,” stated the Vatican.

As a young man, Francis had a portion of one lung removed and has contended with various health challenges throughout his life.

Rome’s Gemelli hospital includes a private suite designated for papal patients on the 10th floor. During a prior stay in 2023, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia in the lower lungs.

Bronchitis can sometimes escalate into pneumonia, a more serious infection affecting the lung’s air sacs. Physicians often detect pneumonia by listening for unusual sounds while a patient breathes, but additional testing like chest X-rays and blood oxygen measurements are usually necessary.

Treatment for pneumonia varies based on severity and may involve administering oxygen or IV fluids, alongside methods to address the underlying cause of the infection.