In an evening bulletin, the Vatican said preliminary tests showed Francis had a respiratory tract infection, was running a mild fever, and was in “fair” condition at Gemelli where he was undergoing drug therapy.

Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened and was receiving drug therapy for a respiratory tract infection. It was the latest setback to the 88-year-old’s pontiff’s health that forced him to cancel his agenda through Monday at least.

Bergoglio arrived at the hospital in the capital shortly after 11 in the morning. The last hospitalization at the Gemelli in Rome dates back to June 2023 for intestinal surgery – in November 2023 and in February of last year the Pope had nevertheless gone to the hospital for tests.

Francis has complained of breathing trouble and was diagnosed with bronchitis Feb. 6, but had continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite. He had presided at an outdoor Mass on Sunday and attended his general audience Wednesday. But he has been handing off his speeches for an aide to read aloud, saying he was having trouble breathing.

The Vatican press office announced that Saturday’s audience has been canceled, while the Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture on Sunday will be presided over by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.

According to sources close to the Vatican, there are no particular concerns regarding Pope Francis’ hospitalization: however, all commitments until Monday have been canceled.

“Following Pope Francis’ hospitalization, the Jubilee audience tomorrow, February 15, has been canceled, the Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, on Sunday, February 16, will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, while the meeting with the artists, scheduled for Monday at Cinecittà, has been canceled due to the Pope’s inability to attend”. Thus in a press release from the Holy See Press Office.