Pope Francis has been admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome for bronchitis treatment, the Vatican announced on Friday. As a result, the 88-year-old pontiff has canceled all his scheduled public events for the next three days while undergoing medical care.
In an official statement, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope was hospitalized after completing his morning audiences to undergo “necessary diagnostic tests” and to continue his treatment. Later, an updated statement clarified that doctors had diagnosed him with a respiratory tract infection and that he had developed a slight fever.
Following his hospitalization, Pope Francis canceled several important engagements, including the Jubilee Audience, a public meeting with pilgrims scheduled for February 15, a Holy Mass on February 16, and a meeting with artists on February 17. The Vatican has not yet confirmed whether the Pope will resume his full schedule after this period or if additional rest will be required.
Pope Francis has been facing persisted health challenges in recent years. He has suffered from influenza and related illnesses multiple times, requiring medical attention on several occasions. His hospitalization this week comes amid growing concerns about his overall well-being.
Over the past few years, Pope Francis has undergone multiple medical procedures. In 2021, he had surgery for diverticulitis, a painful digestive condition that required part of his colon to be removed. Two years later, in 2023, he underwent another surgery to repair a hernia. Despite these health setbacks, he has continued to lead the Catholic Church, often maintaining a demanding travel and meeting schedule.
Last month, the Pope was seen wearing a sling after injuring his right forearm in a fall at his residence. The Vatican assured the public that no bones were broken. This accident followed an earlier fall in December, which left him with facial bruises. Despite these incidents, he has remained active in his leadership role.
Although his health has been a topic of concern, Pope Francis has sought to reassure the public. In his recently published autobiography, HOPE, he downplayed worries about his physical condition, writing, “I am well. The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.”
Due to chronic knee and back pain, he frequently uses a wheelchair or a cane for mobility. However, he has dismissed concerns about how his physical condition might affect his leadership. “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs,” he wrote in his book.
As the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, Pope Francis’ health remains closely watched. His hospitalization serves as a reminder of the challenges he faces as he continues his papacy. The Vatican has assured the public that medical experts are closely monitoring his condition, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
