Pope Francis, who turned 88 earlier this year, was hospitalized on Friday due to bronchitis, with the Vatican confirming that he is undergoing diagnostic tests and treatment. The pontiff had a busy schedule up until his admission, conducting audiences on the morning of his hospitalization before being taken to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome for care in a medical setting. The Vatican previously disclosed that Francis has been struggling with bronchitis and had adjusted his commitments to continue his activities from the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where he resides, instead of the Apostolic Palace.
In recent weeks, Pope Francis has expressed respiratory issues and has relied on aides to read his speeches during events, a sign of his declining health. The pontiff has maintained a full agenda following the New Year’s Eve opening of the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event occurring every 25 years in the Roman Catholic Church, which has drawn large crowds to the Vatican. Francis celebrated Mass outdoors last weekend due to the overwhelming attendance at a Jubilee event.
The pope's health history is concerning; he had a portion of his lung removed as a youth and has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, requiring the use of a wheelchair or cane. He was hospitalized for bronchitis in 2023 and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia. During his recent audiences, he had to cede his reading responsibilities, citing his bronchitis: "With my bronchitis, I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time," he remarked.
Pope Francis had several crucial meetings on the day he was admitted, including discussions with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson. The pontiff's frail condition raises concerns as he continues to lead the global Catholic community amidst health struggles.
