In brief
The Vatican confirmed the Pope's admission was necessary due to recent symptoms of bronchitis, marking another instance of his struggle with respiratory illnesses.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis is set to be admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for important tests and treatment as he battles bronchitis, according to a statement from the Vatican. His condition has persisted for several days, leading him to allow officials to read his carefully prepared speeches at various events. Following his morning audiences, the Pope will check into the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where he previously received care for the same illness earlier this year.On the previous Wednesday, Francis faced challenges delivering a speech due to his illness, asking a priest to finish the reading for him. "Let me ask the priest to continue to read, because I cannot yet, with my bronchitis. I hope that next time I can," he lamented, indicating how bronchitis has hindered his usual activities. The pontiff also required aides to read during a mass last Sunday and at last Wednesday’s general audience.In an effort to recuperate, the Pope had been conducting meetings at his Vatican residence last week. This is not the first time the Pope has dealt with bronchitis; he was hospitalized for three nights in March 2023 and had to cancel his planned trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to illness the following December.Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for almost 12 years, has faced numerous health complications throughout his life, including having a portion of his lung removed when he was 21 years old. The Vatican community and the faithful around the world are watching closely as the Pope manages these ongoing health challenges.
