LAZIO, Italy — Hospitalized for his acute bronchitis, Pope Francis is now in 'stable clinical condition' and does not have a fever, the Vatican disclosed on Monday, February 17, after his doctors changed treatment for his respiratory tract infection to tackle the "complex clinical situation."

However, the 88-year-old pontiff will remain at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli (Gemelli University Hospital) in Rome for as long as necessary, the Vatican added.

The Pope's absence was felt strongly as many of the faithful prayed for his recovery amidst his hospital stay.
But the Vatican noted there was 'no alarm' as Pope Francis spends his fourth day in bed. He has been suffering from a respiratory infection for more than a week and was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital last Friday, February 14.

The Argentine pope continues his treatment, having slept well and eaten breakfast, his spokesman said as emotions ran high among the faithful who visited the Vatican.

"The pope is a point of reference," Italian pilgrim Maria Teresa Lavitola enthused.

American pilgrims Gerry and Jane Oligmueller, who traveled thousands of miles for their journey, said, "We expected to have a papal blessing today, but we said a prayer for him instead."