Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday for bronchitis treatment, following respiratory issues, as he continues his commitments for the 2025 Jubilee celebrations. Despite prior health challenges, he maintains a full schedule but has faced setbacks including having some activities read by aides.
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Bronchitis, Sparking Health Concerns
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Bronchitis, Sparking Health Concerns
Pope Francis has been admitted to a Rome hospital for treatment of bronchitis, raising alarms about the 88-year-old pontiff's health status.
Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital on Friday to address ongoing bronchitis, as confirmed by the Vatican. This hospitalization rekindles worries concerning the 88-year-old pontiff's health amidst his active schedule that includes overseeing numerous audiences and mass celebrations since the start of the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event in the Roman Catholic Church.
In recent statements, the Vatican noted that despite holding his regular audiences on Friday, the Pope required specialized medical attention. Earlier this month, Pope Francis had been managing bronchitis symptoms and began conducting meetings at the Casa Santa Marta to limit exposure and ensure a safe environment for his engagements.
Despite being hospitalized for similar ailments in the past, including a hernia operation, the pontiff has remained committed to guiding the Church through critical events. Recently, he fell twice in his Vatican suite, further emphasizing his fragile health condition.
During a recent general audience, the Pope's struggle with bronchitis was evident as he asked an aide to take over reading his prepared remarks. "With my bronchitis, I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time," he remarked, showcasing his resilience but also the implications of his deteriorating health.
As the world watches and prays for the Pope's recovery, it remains to be seen how this latest health setback will influence his upcoming engagements and the overall dynamics of the Roman Catholic Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo is a veteran Rome-based journalist focused on Italy, the Vatican, and regional culture, bringing over three decades of journalistic experience to her reporting.
In recent statements, the Vatican noted that despite holding his regular audiences on Friday, the Pope required specialized medical attention. Earlier this month, Pope Francis had been managing bronchitis symptoms and began conducting meetings at the Casa Santa Marta to limit exposure and ensure a safe environment for his engagements.
Despite being hospitalized for similar ailments in the past, including a hernia operation, the pontiff has remained committed to guiding the Church through critical events. Recently, he fell twice in his Vatican suite, further emphasizing his fragile health condition.
During a recent general audience, the Pope's struggle with bronchitis was evident as he asked an aide to take over reading his prepared remarks. "With my bronchitis, I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time," he remarked, showcasing his resilience but also the implications of his deteriorating health.
As the world watches and prays for the Pope's recovery, it remains to be seen how this latest health setback will influence his upcoming engagements and the overall dynamics of the Roman Catholic Church.
Elisabetta Povoledo is a veteran Rome-based journalist focused on Italy, the Vatican, and regional culture, bringing over three decades of journalistic experience to her reporting.
