Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for treatment of bronchitis and further medical examinations, the Vatican announced on Friday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, was hospitalized following his morning audiences at the Vatican. The Vatican confirmed that he will remain in the hospital for ongoing treatment and necessary diagnostic tests. As a result, he has canceled all meetings for the next three days.
Despite his recent struggles with bronchitis, Pope Francis continued with his official duties earlier in the day, holding meetings with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Mark Thompson, Chief Executive of CNN. Observers noted that while he remained mentally alert, he appeared to have difficulty speaking for extended periods due to breathing issues.
This latest hospitalization adds to a series of health concerns for the Pope, who underwent abdominal surgery in 2023 and has made multiple hospital visits in recent years. His ongoing health struggles have fueled speculation about his ability to maintain his demanding schedule as head of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican has not provided details on the duration of his hospital stay but assured that
