Pope Francis remains in hospital; cancels General Audience

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Holy See Press Office has provided an update on Pope Francis' health, confirming that his condition requires a prolonged period of hospitalization. Due to this, his scheduled General Audience on Wednesday has been canceled, according to Vatican News.

"The results of the medical tests carried out over the past few days and today have shown a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a further change in therapy.

"All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalization."

This statement was issued by the Holy See Press Office on Monday, informing the public about the Pope’s health status. The Pontiff has been receiving medical care at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 after being diagnosed with bronchitis. Given his current condition, the Vatican has confirmed that his General Audience for this week will not take place.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis remains in good spirits. Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, shared on Monday that the Pontiff had contacted the Holy Family Parish in Gaza over the weekend. The parish is led by Father Gabriel Romanelli, originally from Argentina, along with his assistant, Father Yusuf Asad from Egypt.