Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday to treat a weeklong bout of bronchitis, forcing him to cancel all of his events through at least Monday, the Vatican said, marking the latest in a string of health concerns for the 88-year-old pontiff.
The Vatican announced earlier this month the Pope was suffering from bronchitis and would hold ... [+]
Francis—who held audiences at the Vatican earlier in the day—was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on Friday for “some necessary diagnostic tests” and treatment for bronchitis, according to the Vatican.
The Vatican said Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis on Feb. 6, but continued to hold daily audiences at his residence.
Before his hospitalization, Francis appeared bloated and pale during his appearances, suggesting the medication Francis was taking to treat his lung infection was helping him retain water, the Associated Press reported.
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Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory infection in March 2023 after he experienced sharp pains in his chest and had issues with breathing. Francis was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and remained at the Gemelli hospital for three days.
Francis has suffered from several ailments since being elected as pontiff in 2013. He was hospitalized for 10 days in July 2021 after the Vatican said he suffered from a narrowing of the large intestine. Francis later underwent surgery to remove a portion of his colon. In January 2024, Francis told the Associated Press the intestinal issues that prompted his colon surgery had returned, though they were under control. Francis was seen wearing a sling on his right arm in January, after the Vatican said he suffered a “contusion” to his right forearm and a sling was used as a “precautionary measure.” Francis, who has used a wheelchair since 2022 because of pain in his knees, downplayed his health issues in his autobiography, reportedly writing: “I am well. The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.”