On Friday, doctors hospitalized Pope Francis after he struggled to speak during a meeting earlier in the day. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been dealing with bronchitis for over a week, was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for necessary diagnostic tests and continued treatment in a hospital setting, the Vatican confirmed.
The Vatican explained that Pope Francis’s condition remains under care and monitoring, though it did not specify any immediate concerns beyond his ongoing treatment for bronchitis. As a result of his health issues, the Pope will miss the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica scheduled for Sunday, along with a planned public audience on Saturday. They have canceled his visit to Rome’s Cinecitta film studios on Monday.
Earlier this month, Pope Francis had mentioned to pilgrims that he was struggling with a “strong cold,” which the Vatican later clarified as bronchitis. Despite the illness, the Pope had continued to carry out his duties, but it has become clear that his health has been more fragile in recent weeks.
Pope Francis, who has served as the pontiff since 2013, has faced multiple health challenges in recent years. He has had bouts with influenza and other illnesses, including a history of respiratory issues. At a young age, doctors diagnosed Pope Francis with pleurisy, which led them to remove part of one of his lungs. In recent years, he has been more susceptible to lung infections.
Additionally, Pope Francis has suffered from falls, most recently injuring his chin in December and his arm in January. These incidents have added to his struggles with mobility, and he has been increasingly dependent on aides to read speeches to him. At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis revealed that he “cannot yet” read his own speeches, though he remained optimistic, joking, “I hope that next time I can.”
Despite these ongoing health issues and reduced mobility, Pope Francis has maintained a demanding schedule, including international travel. In September, he completed a lengthy 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, marking the longest trip of his papacy. However, it remains uncertain how this recent health setback will impact his future engagements.
The Vatican has assured that Pope Francis is receiving care and will follow his doctors’ recommendations for treatment, as the world closely watches for updates on his recovery.
