Pope Francis is in a stable condition in hospital but will remain there for sometime.
The Vatican said the pope’s condition is “stable” and he is “touched by messages of affection.”
The Vatican said Pope Francis’ respiratory tract infection is presenting a “complex clinical picture” and he will need to remain in hospital.
Concerns have been growing about the 88-year-old’s increasingly frail health in recent weeks.
Spokesman Matteo Bruni said the results of tests conducted in recent days indicate the pontiff is suffering from a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection” that needed a further change in his drug therapy.
Polymicrobial infections are caused by a mix of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
In a later update last night, the Vatican said his clinical conditions are stable and that he “read and worked” on Monday morning, adding “he’s touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours”.
“In particular he intends to thank those who are currently hospitalised, for the affection and love that they express through the drawings and good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”
