Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday for bronchitis treatment, leading to the cancellation of several public engagements over the next three days, the Vatican announced. The 88-year-old pontiff was observed having difficulty speaking during a morning meeting before being admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital for diagnostic tests and ongoing care.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been battling bronchitis for over a week. As a result, he will not preside over the Sunday mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, a scheduled public audience on Saturday and a visit to Rome’s Cinecittà film studios on Monday have been canceled.
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges, including bouts of influenza and other respiratory ailments. As a young man, he suffered from pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one of his lungs. In recent years, he has been prone to lung infections.
Earlier this month, during a weekly audience, he mentioned experiencing a “strong cold,” which was later identified as bronchitis. On Friday, before being hospitalized, he attended multiple meetings, including one with CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson.
According to CNN, the pope remained mentally alert but struggled to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties. He also met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Cardinal Luis Tagle, and representatives of a Catholic philanthropy group based in Puerto Rico.
Footage from his meeting with Fico showed Pope Francis seated in his Vatican residence, smiling and speaking softly.
His respiratory struggles have persisted since mid-December, occasionally preventing him from reading public statements. During several events in January and February, he opted to have aides read his prepared speeches.
In addition to respiratory issues, the pope has experienced recent physical setbacks. He fell twice at his Vatican residence, suffering a bruised chin in December and an arm injury in January.
Despite these health concerns and limited mobility, Pope Francis has maintained an active schedule, including international travel. In September, he embarked on a 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, marking the longest trip of his papacy.
The Gemelli hospital in Rome, the city’s largest medical facility, houses a special suite designated for treating popes. In June 2023, Francis spent nine days there following surgery for an abdominal hernia.
