Pope's Health Concerns Overshadow Vatican's Holy Year Plans

Pope Francis, 88, remains in the hospital with a complex respiratory infection, prompting the Vatican to cancel papal audiences through the weekend. This could impact the Vatican's Holy Year events, intended to attract millions of visitors for Jubilee celebrations, amid concerns for the Pope's health.

Pope Francis, aged 88, is currently hospitalized due to a complex polymicrobial respiratory infection, leading the Vatican to cancel his upcoming weekend engagements. This development casts uncertainty over the Vatican's Holy Year, a significant event held every 25 years to attract Christian pilgrims to Rome for special Jubilee activities.

The Holy Year, which is expected to draw 30 million visitors to Rome, is filled with numerous papal audiences and Masses scheduled throughout 2025. The health issues of the Pope, admitted in 'fair' condition last Friday after an aggravation of his bronchitis, put some of these planned events in jeopardy.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis maintains some work duties, including contacting a parish in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Vatican has reassigned various duties, including this weekend's ordination of deacons, to other church officials as they continue to monitor the Pope's condition closely.

(With inputs from agencies.)