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Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for treatment of bronchitis and diagnostic tests, the Vatican announced on Friday. The 88-year-old, who had continued his daily audiences despite breathing difficulties, was admitted after his scheduled meetings, including one with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
"This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing," the Vatican confirmed.
Francis had been struggling with bronchitis for over a week but had maintained a busy schedule, presiding over an outdoor Mass on Sunday and attending his general audience on Wednesday. However, he had handed over his speeches to aides due to his breathing difficulties.
Christopher Lamb, CNN's Vatican correspondent, noted that while the pope was "mentally alert," he was visibly struggling to speak for extended periods during his Friday meeting with CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson. Observers also reported that Francis appeared bloated and pale, a possible side effect of the medication he was taking.
The pope has a history of lung-related health issues, having had part of one lung removed as a young man due to severe pneumonia. He has since suffered recurring bouts of bronchitis, especially during winter. His recent health struggles add to a series of ailments, including past surgeries to remove part of his colon in 2021 and intestinal scar tissue in 2023.
This hospitalization has forced the Vatican to cancel Francis' scheduled events through Monday. While Cardinal officials will preside over some planned masses, other events, including his visit to Rome's Cinecittà Studios, have been canceled due to his "impossibility to participate."
Francis has been treated at the same hospital multiple times. In June 2023, he underwent surgery for a hernia and intestinal complications, and in March of that year, he was hospitalized for three days with a respiratory infection.
Despite these health challenges, Francis has maintained an active schedule. Last year, he embarked on a 12-day journey across four countries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, marking one of the longest trips a pope has taken. In April, he is expected to meet with King Charles III.
Francis has repeatedly credited medical professionals for saving his life, including his personal nurse, whom he named his "personal health care assistant" in 2022. He once recalled, "She had intuition and practical experience, and certainly no lack of courage."
For now, the Vatican has not provided a discharge date, leaving the Catholic world awaiting further updates on the pontiff's recovery.
