Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment amid ongoing health concerns
Pope Francis has been hospitalized for treatment of bronchitis and to undergo necessary diagnostic tests, as confirmed by the Vatican. This hospitalization marks another chapter in the ongoing health challenges faced by the 88-year-old pontiff.
Pope Francis has a history of health problems, particularly related to his respiratory system. He had part of one lung removed during his youth due to severe pneumonia and has experienced recurrent bouts of acute bronchitis, especially during winter months. His recent diagnosis of bronchitis was made last Thursday, prompting concerns about his overall health.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule. He continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite and presided over an outdoor Mass just days before his hospitalization. However, he has been experiencing significant breathing difficulties, which led him to delegate the reading of his speeches to aides.
Details of hospitalization
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome at the end of his Friday audiences. The statement indicated that he would continue treatment for bronchitis in a hospital setting and undergo necessary diagnostic tests. While specific details regarding the duration of his stay were not provided, it was mentioned that he is expected to remain hospitalized for “a few days.”
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This hospitalization follows previous medical interventions; notably, Pope Francis underwent surgery in June 2023 to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia. Additionally, he spent time in the hospital earlier that year receiving intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection.
In recent appearances leading up to his hospitalization, Pope Francis appeared mentally alert but struggled with prolonged speech due to breathing issues. He also exhibited signs of bloating, likely a side effect from medication used to treat his lung infection.
Looking ahead, despite being hospitalized, Pope Francis had a busy weekend agenda planned that included an audience with artists and a Mass on Sunday. However, it remains uncertain how these events will be affected by his current health situation.
