The Vatican announced on Tuesday that all papal audiences through the weekend have been canceled, with others stepping in to cover for Pope Francis as he remains hospitalized with a complex respiratory infection. The cancellations have disrupted key events in the Vatican’s Holy Year, a once-every-25-years celebration meant to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome for special Jubilee activities.
Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after his bronchitis worsened. Doctors later diagnosed him with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, involving multiple viruses and bacteria. The Vatican has not specified how long he will remain hospitalized but emphasized that his condition requires an “adequate” stay.
Despite his illness, Francis resumed some work on Monday and made his regular call to a Gaza City parish. On Tuesday, he had a peaceful night, ate breakfast, and read the newspapers, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. A more detailed medical update is expected later.
This Holy Year weekend was dedicated to deacons, an important stage for those preparing for priesthood. Francis was originally scheduled to ordain them during Sunday Mass, but the Vatican announced that the Jubilee’s organizing archbishop would now lead the ceremony. Similarly, last weekend’s event for artists saw a cardinal preside instead of the pope.
The next major Jubilee events, scheduled for March 8-9, are dedicated to volunteers and would typically involve the pope. However, Francis’ health history raises concerns about his participation. Having had part of a lung removed in his youth, he is prone to winter bronchitis but has often ignored medical advice. He pushed through his demanding schedule despite his recent illness, even attending an outdoor Mass for the armed forces on Feb. 9, despite struggling to breathe.
