In brief
The 88-year-old pontiff has faced bronchitis symptoms over the past few days, prompting the Vatican's announcement of his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. He will undergo necessary diagnostic tests and continue treatment following his morning audiences on Friday. Recently, during his engagements, he has required officials to read his speeches due to his breathing difficulties. Just days prior, he acknowledged his struggle with bronchitis and delegated a priest to read part of his address. The Pope has previously spent nights at the same hospital, most recently in March 2023. He also faced health struggles last December that led him to cancel a major trip. Despite these setbacks, the Argentine pontiff has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has a history of health concerns dating back to a lung procedure in his youth.
Pope Francis to Undergo Hospital Treatment for Bronchitis Pope Francis is set to be admitted to a Rome hospital for treatment of bronchitis as his health experiences ongoing concerns. The 88-year-old pontiff has faced bronchitis symptoms over the past few days, prompting the Vatican's announcement of his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. He will undergo necessary diagnostic tests and continue treatment following his morning audiences on Friday. Recently, during his engagements, he has required officials to read his speeches due to his breathing difficulties. Just days prior, he acknowledged his struggle with bronchitis and delegated a priest to read part of his address. The Pope has previously spent nights at the same hospital, most recently in March 2023. He also faced health struggles last December that led him to cancel a major trip. Despite these setbacks, the Argentine pontiff has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has a history of health concerns dating back to a lung procedure in his youth.
