Pope Francis spent a “quiet night” in Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital and is on the mend with indications of relief from his bronchitis, the Vatican reported Saturday.
Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni said the 88-year-old pope “rested well,” had breakfast, and read the newspapers as he checked in with additional medical therapy. While the pope’s fever isn’t elevated, physicians adjusted the therapy on his behalf for findings from additional tests.
“The tests validate a respiratory tract infection,” the Vatican said in an afternoon statement. “Today’s laboratory tests show improvement in some values.”
Francis passed the day alternating between rest, prayer, and reading. He also received the Eucharist, the main ritual of the Catholic Church.
Changes to the Pope’s Schedule
The pope’s hospitalization has had several schedules adjusted. He won’t say the Angelus prayer on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica, although an advance text will be distributed. The audience of the Jubilee of Hope on Saturday has been canceled and Sunday’s Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and World of Culture will be celebrated by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça.
An appointment of artists scheduled on Monday at Cinecittà has also been called off due to the pope’s health.
Despite suffering from poor health, Francis still carried out his duties on Friday morning prior to admission into the hospital.
He received meetings at the Vatican, including an audience with the prime minister of Slovakia and the CEO of CNN Mark Thompson. It was reported that despite being mentally in good condition, he struggled to speak for longer than short periods due to issues with breathing.
The Vatican ensured that the pope is aware of the many messages of goodwill that he has received and thanked the public for the prayers and good wishes.
