Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis Treatment, Vatican Confirms

 Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of bronchitis 

The Vatican announced on Friday that Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of bronchitis and to undergo necessary medical evaluations. The 88-year-old pontiff is expected to remain under medical supervision for "a few days," according to a Vatican spokesperson.

Despite his bronchitis diagnosis last Thursday, Pope Francis has continued to fulfill his duties from his residence, holding daily meetings and presiding over his general audience on Wednesday. He also led an outdoor Mass on Sunday. However, he has delegated the reading of his speeches to an aide, citing difficulties with breathing.

Having previously had a portion of one lung removed in his youth, Pope Francis has faced persistent health challenges, particularly recurring bouts of bronchitis during the colder months. He relies on a wheelchair, walker, or cane for mobility and has experienced recent falls that resulted in injuries to his arm and chin.

Since his diagnosis, Francis has appeared visibly swollen, likely due to water retention caused by the medication he is taking to combat the lung infection.

The pope has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he previously underwent surgery in June 2023 to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia. Earlier that year, he was hospitalized for three days to receive intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection.

According to the Vatican’s statement, Pope Francis was scheduled to be admitted after completing his official meetings on Friday. That morning, he held discussions with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN chief Mark Thompson before heading to the hospital.

"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 statement read.

The Vatican has not specified how long the pope will remain hospitalized or whether his upcoming engagements will be affected. His schedule for the weekend includes a significant event celebrating artists, with an audience on Saturday, a Mass on Sunday, and a visit to Rome’s Cinecittà film studios on Monday.

This announcement contrasts with his 2023 hospitalization, which initially caused confusion. At the time, the Vatican stated he was undergoing routine tests, but Pope Francis later disclosed that he had experienced chest pain and was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with bronchitis. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics and discharged on April 1, humorously remarking that he was "still alive."

The pontiff also spent 10 days at the same hospital in July 2021 following intestinal surgery to address a bowel condition.