Pope Francis remains hospitalized. Here's what to know about the 88-year-old leader
Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday for a respiratory infection and will remain for as long as necessary to complete treatment, the Vatican said on Monday.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, has been known for his down-to-earth leadership, outspoken support of marginalized communities and interreligious dialogue.
In recent weeks, Pope Francis has made headlines for openly criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies. In an open letter shared last week, Francis said the criminalization of migrants and mass deportation "will end badly" and that the United States should be weary of entering a "major crisis." The pope also questioned Vice President JD Vance's use of the theological concept "ordo amoris" to defend mass deportations, which Francis clarified means to encourage compassion for all people.
As the Catholic leader remains in the hospital, here's what to know about Pope Francis.
Why is Pope Francis in the hospital?
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli University Hospital on Friday due to a respiratory infection.
Initially, Francis was treated for bronchitis, but on Monday the Vatican announced that doctors changed their treatment, as tests demonstrated Francis has a "polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract." Francis will remain at the hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican said.
According to the medical journal The Lancet, polymicrobial infections are acute and chronic diseases caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
How old is Pope Francis?
Pope Francis is 88 years old. He is the second oldest pope.
Who was the oldest pope?
Pope Leo XIII was the oldest pope to serve the Catholic church. He served until his death in 1903 at the age of 93.
Where is Pope Francis from?
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the first Argentinean to become pope.
When did Pope Francis become pope?
Pope Francis became the pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. Francis is the 266th successor from the very first pope, Saint Peter.
Does Pope Francis have a wife or children?
No, Pope Francis does not have a wife or children because the Catholic Church requires popes to practice celibacy − the abstinence of sexual relations and marriage.
Who will be the next pope?
It is unknown who will succeed Pope Francis.
Following a vacancy in the papacy, the College of Cardinals (bishops and Vatican officials chosen by the pope) gather to prepare for an upcoming papal election, which is called a conclave, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
In the past, 15 to 20 days after a papacy vacancy, the College of Cardinals meet in St. Peter's Basilica to invoke guidance from the Holy Spirit in electing a new pope, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The cardinals vote by secret ballot, and four rounds of voting are conducted each day until one candidate receives two-thirds of the vote. If no one candidate receives the necessary votes, the ballots are burned with a mixture of chemicals in a stove near the chapel to produce black smoke.
Once a candidate is selected, the candidate is asked if he would like to accept the position. If he accepts, he chooses a papal name and is dressed in papal attire before processing out to the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Additionally, the ballots of the final round of voting will be burned with chemicals near the chapel to produce white smoke.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.