Pope Francis Faces Health Challenges, Cancels Weekend Engagements

Pope Francis will miss important events this weekend following a diagnosis of a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection. Admitted to a Rome hospital, his condition is stable, yet ongoing health issues have raised concerns as the Jubilee year progresses.

Pope Francis will be absent from planned engagements this weekend, as stated by the Vatican on Tuesday, due to his deteriorating health condition. The pontiff, who is currently hospitalized in Rome with a "polymicrobial respiratory tract infection," will skip a celebration for deacons and a mass scheduled for Sunday.

The 86-year-old pope was admitted to Policlinico A. Gemelli on Friday, where subsequent tests revealed a "complex clinical picture." On Monday, the Vatican communicated that Francis's condition had stabilized, with no fever reported at that time. However, the infection involves a blend of microorganisms, including both viruses and bacteria, affecting his respiratory system.

This weekend’s events are not the first that the pope has had to forgo recently. Last week, he was unable to attend another scheduled gathering intended for artists at the Vatican. This marks the fourth visit to Gemelli hospital for Francis, who previously had colon surgery there in 2021. He was admitted for a respiratory infection in 2023 but was discharged after three days. In addition, he underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia later that same year.

Earlier this year, a slight flu brought him back to Gemelli for diagnostic testing. The pope's health challenges are compounded by a history of lung issues, having had the upper lobe of his right lung removed in his youth, which contributes to his susceptibility to winter illnesses. In recent years, ongoing knee and sciatica problems have made the use of a wheelchair, cane, or walker more common for him.

As the 2025 Jubilee year unfolds—a significant period of faith, penance, and forgiveness for the Catholic Church—millions are expected to visit the Vatican, intensifying the demands on the pontiff’s schedule throughout the year. The Jubilee's events are planned to span over the next 10 months, raising concerns about how the pope’s health might impact his schedule moving forward.