Pope Francis Faces Hospital Admission for Ongoing Bronchitis

The 88-year-old pontiff will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome following his morning audiences on Friday, as the Vatican confirmed he has been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days. In light of his illness, Pope Francis has delegated various officials to deliver his speeches during recent events. "This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis," stated a brief announcement from the Vatican.

In the days leading up to his hospital admission, the Pope had difficulties completing his public addresses and had enlisted a priest to read parts of his speech during a recent event. “Let me ask the priest to continue to read, because I cannot yet, with my bronchitis. I hope that next time I can,” he remarked to the gathered audience. Earlier this week, he also had aides reading on his behalf during a mass and at a general audience.

To aid in his recovery, he had been holding meetings at his Vatican residence. His recent hospitalization follows a similar bout with bronchitis back in March 2023, which resulted in a three-night stay at the same hospital. The pontiff also had to cancel his scheduled trip for the COP28 climate summit in December due to another health-related issue.

Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has a history of health complications, including the removal of part of one of his lungs at age 21, which has contributed to these ongoing respiratory issues.