Pope Francis has been hospitalized for bronchitis, marking another alarming chapter in the pontiff's ongoing health struggles. The Vatican revealed on Friday that the 88-year-old leader was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome for both diagnostic testing and treatment, prompted by a recent diagnosis of bronchitis. Earlier that day, Pope Francis held his customary audiences but later required hospitalization to ensure he received care “in a hospital environment.”
In early February, the Vatican disclosed that the pope was dealing with bronchitis, which had forced him to shift his audiences from the Apostolic Palace to the Casa Santa Marta, where he resides. In the lead-up to his recent hospitalization, Pope Francis expressed respiratory challenges, and the papal aides were tasked with reading his homilies at public events due to his discomfort.
Despite his health issues, Francis has maintained a rigorous schedule since the New Year’s Eve commencement of the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event for the Roman Catholic Church held every 25 years. He has been meeting with hundreds of pilgrims, holding audiences on Saturdays, and presiding over Sunday Masses. Just last weekend, an outdoor Mass was held before St. Peter’s Basilica due to the overwhelming attendance for a Jubilee event.
The pontiff’s hospitalization follows a busy week that included meetings with dignitaries, such as Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN’s Chief Executive Mark Thompson.
Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed during his youth, has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including the need for a wheelchair and cane. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia. The pontiff has also experienced falls in his suite, resulting in minor injuries.
During his recent general audience, Francis struggled to read his prepared remarks, acknowledging, “With my bronchitis I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time,” before delegating the task to another. His ongoing health issues continue to evoke sympathy and concern among the global Catholic community and beyond.
