- Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis treatment
- Pope delegates officials to read speeches due to illness
- Hospitalization comes after Pope's recent health issues
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, will be admitted to a hospital in Rome for treatment and diagnostic tests related to his ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican announced.
The Pope is scheduled to arrive at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic after his morning audiences on Friday. A brief statement from the Vatican confirmed the hospitalization, stating that the Pope has been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days and has delegated officials to read his prepared speeches during recent events due to his health condition.
“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,” the Vatican’s statement read.
Earlier this week, during a speech, Pope Francis acknowledged his health struggles, asking a priest to continue reading his prepared remarks. “Let me ask the priest to continue to read, because I cannot yet, with my bronchitis. I hope that next time I can,” the Pope said.
The Pope had also relied on aides to read on his behalf during a mass on Sunday and at a general audience last Wednesday. To aid his recovery, he has held meetings at his Vatican residence in an effort to rest.
This is not the first time the Pope has sought treatment for bronchitis; in March 2023, he spent three nights at the same hospital for similar treatment. In December 2023, he had to cancel a trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to another illness.
Pope Francis, born in Argentina, has led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, including undergoing surgery to remove part of one of his lungs when he was 21.
