Why Has Pope Francis Been Admitted to the Hospital?

Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday morning at the Agostino Gemelli to undergo medical tests and continue treatment for bronchitis. This was reported by the Vatican. His health condition had already caused concern last Sunday.

That day, he had to stop reading his homily during the Jubilee of the Armed Forces in St. Peter's Square due to breathing problems. "I apologize and let the master continue the reading, as I have difficulty breathing," he explained at that moment.

At 88 years old, the pontiff has been facing health problems for some time. In fact, last Wednesday he was also unable to read his catechesis at the general audience for the same reason. Later, the Holy See confirmed that he was suffering from bronchitis, which has forced him to hold his meetings at Casa Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican.

Francis maintained his scheduled agenda for today and, in fact, met with the President of Slovakia, Roberto Fico, early in the morning. Only after this meeting did he go to the hospital.

In recent days, the pope has received various authorities at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, instead of the pontifical palace, as a precautionary measure due to the bronchitis he suffers from.

In recent years, Pope Francis has faced several health problems related to respiratory infections and flu. At the end of February 2024, he underwent a CT scan at the Gemelli Polyclinic on Tiber Island to monitor the condition of his lungs. Just a month earlier, in January, he had to interrupt his schedule due to the flu, and in December 2023, bronchitis forced him to do the same.

These episodes have not been isolated. In November 2023, acute infectious bronchitis led doctors to recommend canceling his trip to Dubai for COP28. A few months earlier, in March 2023, the pontiff spent three days hospitalized at the Gemelli in Rome due to a respiratory infection.