Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital for medical tests and treatment following a diagnosis of bronchitis, according to a statement released by the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff is suffering from a respiratory infection but remains in stable condition. Initial tests confirmed the infection, and he has been prescribed medication to manage his symptoms. Although he is running a slight fever, his overall health is described as fair.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, continuing to hold daily audiences from his Vatican hotel suite. He attended his general audience on Wednesday and even presided over an outdoor Mass on Sunday. However, due to breathing difficulties, he has delegated the task of delivering speeches to an aide. This is not the first time the Pope has faced health challenges. Having undergone surgery to remove part of a lung in his youth, he has long struggled with respiratory issues, particularly during the winter months.
The Pope’s recent health struggles have been compounded by his reliance on mobility aids such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane. He has also experienced falls in recent months, resulting in injuries to his arm and chin. Additionally, his appearance has been affected by the medication he is taking, which has caused water retention and visible bloating.
Pope Francis is currently receiving care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the same facility where he was treated in June 2023 for abdominal surgery and in previous years for respiratory infections. The Vatican confirmed that he would be admitted after completing his Friday audiences, which included meetings with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN’s Mark Thompson. The statement did not specify how long he would remain hospitalized or how his condition might impact his upcoming engagements, which include a special Holy Year event honoring artists, a Mass, and a visit to Rome’s Cinecittà studios.
This hospitalization follows a pattern of health concerns for the Pope, who has been candid about his physical limitations. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis after initially downplaying the severity of his condition. This time, the Vatican has been more transparent, providing timely updates to avoid confusion. As the world watches, the Pope’s resilience continues to inspire, even as he navigates the challenges of aging and illness.
Reuters contrib