Pope Francis hospitalized: what we know so far

Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli hospital on Friday morning to undergo some necessary tests and to continue treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said in a statement.

“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,” read the statement.

What is the Pope’s health situation?

In recent weeks, Pope Francis has been grappling with health issues that have raised concerns among the faithful. Earlier this month, during a weekly audience, he mentioned suffering from a “strong cold,” which the Vatican later clarified as bronchitis.

Despite his condition, the Pope maintained his daily schedule, holding meetings at his Vatican residence. Notably, before his hospitalization on Friday, he met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and other dignitaries.

Observers noted that during these engagements, the Pope appeared to struggle with speaking. This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has faced health challenges and he has a history of respiratory issues, having had part of one lung removed in his youth. In recent years, he has experienced recurrent bouts of bronchitis, especially during the winter months.

In addition to respiratory concerns, the Pope has encountered other health setbacks. He suffered two falls recently at his Vatican residence, bruising his chin in December and injuring his arm in January. These incidents have led him to use a wheelchair, walker, or cane for mobility.

After concluding his scheduled audiences on Friday, Pope Francis was admitted but the Vatican did not specify the expected duration of his hospital stay. Notably, the Gemelli hospital, the largest in Rome, has a special suite designated for treating popes. Pope Francis previously spent nine days there in June 2023 following surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.