Pope Francis will not take part in this weekend's Holy Year events because of his continued ill health, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday to treat a weeklong bout of bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests, the Vatican said, confirming the latest issues with the 88-year-old's pontiff's health that forced him to cancel his agenda through Monday at least.

The Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi has responded to reports that Pope Francis has shown the onset of double pneumonia, which has further complicated treatment for the 88-year pontiff. Mississippi's Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson is the largest diocese in Mississippi by area.

Fresh off her trip to the Vatican, Sister Norma Pimentel says she is heartened by a recent letter from Pope Francis condemning the deportation of immigrants. In his letter to U.S. bishops, the pope called the mass deportations a “major crisis that is taking place in the United States.

Francis has complained of breathing trouble and was diagnosed with bronchitis Feb. 6, but had continued to hold daily audiences until Friday.

Emil Kapaun is one step closer to sainthood now that Pope Francis has officially declared him a Venerable. Two alleged miracles are credited to Venerable Kapaun, formerly Father Kapaun. Sixteen years ago,

For the latest news, view USA TODAY's story on the pope for Wednesday, Feb. 25. Pope Francis remained in "critical but stable" condition Tuesday, receiving the Holy Eucharist, working from his hospital room and receiving his daily therapy for bronchitis and pneumonia.

People in Rome and the Vatican are relying on their faith as they cope with the daily anxiety waiting to hear about the pope’s health.

The combination of health issues has kept the Pope from performing his public duties, including weekly prayers on Sundays, but his doctors have recently said he is alert, joking, and continuing to work, as well as reading messages from well-wishers around the world.

Pope Francis is sitting upright and receiving therapy for double pneumonia while he remains in critical condition.

Pope Francis continues to be in serious but stable condition as he concludes his 12th day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said Feb. 25. The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis.