Pope Francis was admitted to a Roman hospital for bronchitis treatment, following respiratory issues that led to adjusted public engagements.
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital for Treatment of Bronchitis
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital for Treatment of Bronchitis
The Vatican confirms that Pope Francis, 88, is hospitalized in Rome as concerns about his health grow.
In recent developments, Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, was hospitalized on February 14, 2025, for diagnostic tests and treatment related to an ongoing bout of bronchitis. This news has raised fresh concerns regarding the pontiff's health, as the Vatican detailed that he had been carrying out his usual morning audiences prior to being admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Medical Facility.
The Vatican had previously disclosed that Pope Francis was experiencing bronchitis symptoms, necessitating changes to his schedule; instead of hosting audiences at the traditional Apostolic Palace, he adapted by holding them at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican. Lately, he has encountered significant respiratory challenges, prompting Vatican staff to read his messages during events in his absence.
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Francis has maintained a busy agenda since the commencement of the 2025 Jubilee celebration, which occurs once every quarter-century in the Catholic tradition. Notably, he has presided over numerous audience events on Saturdays, welcoming pilgrims to Rome, culminating in a significant outdoor Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica due to overwhelming attendance last weekend.
Prior to entering the hospital, Francis had met with several dignitaries on February 14, including Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson. Throughout his life, the Pope has faced various health issues, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth and two hospitalizations in 2023 for bronchitis and subsequent abdominal surgery for a hernia. In recent weeks, he has also faced falls that resulted in minor injuries.
During a weekly audience, he candidly addressed his condition, stating, “With my bronchitis I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time," delegating his reading to another colleague. These recent events underscore the ongoing challenges facing Pope Francis as he attempts to fulfill his responsibilities amidst declining health, while also gathering support and concerns from around the globe.
The Vatican had previously disclosed that Pope Francis was experiencing bronchitis symptoms, necessitating changes to his schedule; instead of hosting audiences at the traditional Apostolic Palace, he adapted by holding them at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican. Lately, he has encountered significant respiratory challenges, prompting Vatican staff to read his messages during events in his absence.
Despite his ongoing health struggles, Francis has maintained a busy agenda since the commencement of the 2025 Jubilee celebration, which occurs once every quarter-century in the Catholic tradition. Notably, he has presided over numerous audience events on Saturdays, welcoming pilgrims to Rome, culminating in a significant outdoor Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica due to overwhelming attendance last weekend.
Prior to entering the hospital, Francis had met with several dignitaries on February 14, including Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson. Throughout his life, the Pope has faced various health issues, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth and two hospitalizations in 2023 for bronchitis and subsequent abdominal surgery for a hernia. In recent weeks, he has also faced falls that resulted in minor injuries.
During a weekly audience, he candidly addressed his condition, stating, “With my bronchitis I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time," delegating his reading to another colleague. These recent events underscore the ongoing challenges facing Pope Francis as he attempts to fulfill his responsibilities amidst declining health, while also gathering support and concerns from around the globe.
