Pope Francis Hospitalized for Respiratory Treatment
ROME: Pope Francis has been admitted to a hospital in Rome for medical tests and treatment due to bronchitis, adding to a series of health challenges he has faced in recent years.
The Vatican reported that the pontiff, who has experienced shortness of breath in recent days, proceeded with his scheduled morning meetings before heading to Gemelli Hospital.
According to an official statement, Francis was hospitalized for “essential diagnostic evaluations and continued treatment for his ongoing bronchitis.”
As a result, planned audiences for Saturday and Monday have been canceled, and a cardinal will preside over Sundayβs mass in his absence.
“The initial tests confirm a respiratory tract infection,” the Vatican stated later in the evening, describing his condition as “stable, with a mild fever.”
Despite his hospitalization, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni assured the public that Pope Francis remained “calm and in good spirits,” even reading newspapers while undergoing treatment.
The 87-year-old pontiff is staying in a private suite at Gemelli Hospital, traditionally reserved for popes, which includes a chapel.
Outside the hospital, a supporter left a candle featuring an image of the pope at the base of a statue of Pope John Paul II.
Continued Health Struggles
Italian media reports suggest that Francis was hospitalized due to persistent illness that had not improved in recent weeks. His condition has occasionally required aides to read his speeches on his behalf.
At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, the pope acknowledged his difficulty in reading aloud, saying with a smile, “I hope that next time I can.”
Despite his health issues, he remained active, even holding meetings at his residence last week. On Friday morning, he met with five visitors, including Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Ongoing Health Concerns
Francis has faced numerous medical challenges over the years but continues to maintain a demanding schedule.
In 2023, he was hospitalized for three days due to bronchitis and was treated with antibiotics. A separate case of bronchitis later forced him to cancel his scheduled visit to the United Nations COP28 climate conference in Dubai.
Additionally, he underwent hernia surgery in June 2023 and was treated in 2021 for diverticulitis, a condition affecting the intestines.
Since 2022, he has relied on a wheelchair due to persistent knee pain and occasionally uses a cane when standing. In recent months, he has also suffered minor falls, leading to visible bruising on his arm in January and his jaw in December.
Defying Health Challenges
Despite his ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis remains highly active.
In September 2024, he completed an extensive four-nation tour across the Asia-Pacific, marking the longest trip of his papacy in both duration and distance. Unlike many world leaders, he does not take vacations and regularly holds up to a dozen meetings in a single morning.
Speculation about his future often arises due to his health, especially considering that his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, resigned in 2013 due to declining health.
Although Francis has stated that he may step down if his condition severely limits his ability to lead, he has emphasized that such a decision is not imminent.
In a memoir published last year, he affirmed, “I have no reason to consider resigning at this time.” He added that resignation would only be an option in the case of “a serious physical impairment.”
For now, Pope Francis remains committed to leading the Catholic Church despite his health challenges.
