Pope Francis, who is hospitalized in Rome, suffers from “bronchitis” of infectious origin and is reacting well to a course of antibiotics, so “could be discharged in the next few days”The Vatican reported Thursday.

“During the programmed clinical controls, the Holy Father was diagnosed with infectious-based bronchitis that required the administration of infusion antibiotic therapy, that produced the expected effects with a notable improvement in his state of health”, it is indicated in a brief statement.

According to the expected evolution, Francisco, 86 years old, “He could be discharged in the next few days,” added the director of the Vatican press office, Matteo Bruni.

Could not officiate Holy Week rites

He Pope will not officiate some of the rites of Holy Week by Respiratory infection that he has forced his hospital admission and will be replaced by cardinals, although his presence is expected at some masses once he is discharged, according to what the Italian media have advanced this Thursday.

The Holy See for the moment has not confirmed or specified the pontiff’s plans for the pontiff’s Holy Week, after being hospitalized this Wednesday at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where improve and continue treatment scheduled, according to the Vatican.

The Italian Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, has confirmed to the Ansa agency that he will be in charge of officiating the Palm Sunday mass, although he has expressed his hope that the pope will be discharged and will be able to preside over it. For his part, the cardinal Giovanni Battista Re He has indicated to the Agi agency that he will stand behind the altar at the Easter Sunday mass, although Francisco is expected to be present at the celebration by then.