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Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis was being treated for a "complex clinical situation" and will remain hospitalized for as long as needed. Test results for Francis, 88, showed he had a "polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract" after he was initially taken to Gemelli Hospital on Friday to undergo treatment for bronchitis and additional tests, the Vatican said.
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"All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalization," it said.
In an update Monday night, the Vatican said he "remains without a fever and is proceeding with the prescribed treatment."
The pope had symptoms of bronchitis for several days before he was admitted where he had officials read his speeches at events.
A Vatican official described the pope as being "in good spirits" on Monday. The pope's office said that the pontiff's treatment has been modified, including bed rest, as part of his ongoing treatment.
"Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours," the Vatican said. "He especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalized at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him."
The pope earlier had praised his medical staff, saying "they perform invaluable and demanding work -- let us support them with our prayers."
Friends had urged Pope Francis to seek treatment for the symptoms and welcomed the hospitalization and rest as a benefit to the busy pope.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, could not give his regular weekly prayer at St. Peter's Square on Sunday with doctors listing him in stable condition. He also missed a mass for artists marking the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.
On Monday, the Press Office had confirmed the pope's General Audience for the week had been cancelled.
