Pope Francis is set to be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on Friday for treatment and diagnostic tests related to ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican has announced. The 88-year-old pontiff will check into the hospital following his morning audiences, where he has increasingly relied on aides to read his speeches due to his illness.
In recent days, the Pope has struggled with persistent bronchitis symptoms, prompting him to delegate the reading of his prepared speeches. During a public address on Wednesday, he acknowledged his difficulty in speaking, saying, “Let me ask the priest to continue to read, because I cannot yet, with my bronchitis. I hope that next time I can.”
His condition has been evident in recent engagements. He requested assistance at a mass on Sunday, as well as during last week’s general audience, signaling the impact of his health issues on his public duties. To aid his recovery, he has also opted to conduct meetings at his Vatican residence rather than his usual venues.
This marks Pope Francis’ second hospitalization for bronchitis in recent years. In March 2023, he was treated at the same hospital for a respiratory infection, where he spent three nights before being discharged. Additionally, his health challenges forced him to cancel a planned trip to the United Arab Emirates in December 2023, where he was scheduled to attend the COP28 climate summit.
Pope Francis, who has served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, has faced numerous health complications throughout his life. Notably, he underwent surgery as a young man, having part of his lung removed at the age of 21 due to a severe infection. Despite these challenges, he has remained active in his papal duties, often prioritizing direct engagement with the public and global leaders.
His latest hospitalization raises concerns about his long-term health and ability to manage the demanding responsibilities of the papacy. However, the Vatican has reassured the faithful that this admission is precautionary and part of a structured treatment plan. The Pope’s resilience has been evident in past recoveries, and many Catholics worldwide are offering prayers for his swift return to full health.
As the Vatican continues to monitor his condition, it remains to be seen how this latest episode will impact his future schedule. For now, Pope Francis’ health remains a central concern for the Church and its followers around the globe.
