Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalised in Rome’s Gemelli hospital to treat bronchitis and undergo tests, the Vatican announced on Friday.
The Pope, who had been experiencing breathing difficulties for over a week, has canceled all public events through at least Tuesday. This includes several planned appearances over the weekend, such as a Mass for artists and a visit to Rome’s Cinecittà studios.
Francis had continued his daily audiences at the Vatican despite his condition but recently began relying on aides to read his speeches. Observers noted he appeared pale and bloated, likely due to the medication he was taking for his lung infection. The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has faced ongoing health challenges, including past bouts of bronchitis and surgeries for intestinal issues.
This marks the pope’s third hospital visit in less than two years. He was previously treated for pneumonia and underwent surgery for hernias and intestinal scarring. Although details of his current hospital stay remain unclear, the Vatican emphasised that the pope’s bronchitis requires hospital care.
