A Jubilee audience scheduled on
Saturday, February 22 has been cancelled due to Pope Francis's
health condition, the Vatican Press Office announced on Tuesday.
"Due to the health conditions of the Holy Father, the Jubilee
audience of Saturday February 22 is annulled", said the Vatican,
adding that the pontiff, who continues to receive treatment at
Rome's Gemelli Hospital, has delegated Mons. Rino Fisichella,
the Pro-Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Evangelization,
to celebrate a Mass planned on Sunday, February 23 at 9 am at St
Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis had another quiet night in hospital, sources said
on Tuesday.
The pontiff's therapy for a respiratory infection was changed
due to the complex clinical picture of his condition, the
Vatican Press Office said on Monday, adding that he will have to
stay in hospital longer than initially expected.
"The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today
have demonstrated a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection
that has led to a further change in therapy", it said.
"All the tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex
clinical picture that will require an adequate hospital stay",
it added.
The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff has been in Rome's Gemelli
Hospital since Friday after suffering breathing difficulties due
to bronchitis.
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