Rome, 17 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Pope Francis will probably have to stay in hospital longer according to a new diagnosis released by the Vatican on Monday.

The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church suffers from a "polymicrobial respiratory infection," which has required his health care providers to change his treatment.

Polymicrobial infections are caused by combinations of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites according to the science journal The Lancet. Such infections in the respiratory tract are difficult to treat.

"All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalisation," the Vatican said in a statement posted on its Vatican News website.

The head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in the west of Rome since Friday and was, according to the Vatican at the time, suffering from bronchitis.

Initially, it was reported from Francis' entourage that his stay could last until the middle of next week. Doctors have ordered "absolute rest," the Vatican said.

Pope has long dealt with health issues

Concerns about the pope's health had grown over the past week, as his voice repeatedly faltered during public appearances and he rarely left his Vatican residence. Doctors had been recommending that he go to hospital for treatment for some time, according to media reports.

Part of the native Argentinian's right lung has been missing since his youth, which is an aggravating factor for his condition. He has frequently complained of respiratory problems.

As a result, Francis had to cancel all his planned appointments over the weekend and at the start of the week.

At 88, Francis is the second-oldest pope in history. He has been in office since March 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI.