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3mo ago

Pope Francis Hospitalized for Bronchitis Treatment and Diagnostic Tests

The 88-year-old pontiff cancels weekend events as he receives care at Rome's Gemelli hospital following ongoing respiratory issues.

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Pope Francis starts reading his speech during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Francis looks on during the Jubilee audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, February 1, 2025.
Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience on February 12, 2025 at Paul-VI hall in The Vatican. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)

Overview

  • Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized on Friday to treat a weeklong case of bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests, according to the Vatican.
  • The pontiff had continued to hold limited audiences despite breathing difficulties but canceled all events through Monday, including a planned Mass and Jubilee celebrations.
  • Francis has a history of health challenges, including the removal of part of one lung in his youth and previous hospitalizations for respiratory infections and abdominal surgeries.
  • Observers noted that the pope appeared pale and bloated during Friday audiences, which may indicate side effects from his medication for the lung infection.
  • The Vatican has not specified the duration of his stay at Gemelli hospital, where he has been treated multiple times in recent years for various health concerns.