Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was admitted to a hospital in Rome this past Friday for treatment of a respiratory infection. The Vatican confirmed that he is receiving care for bronchitis and is in stable condition. The Holy Father has undergone a series of medical tests and is currently undergoing treatment with hospital-administered medication.
While the pope’s condition is considered stable, he is battling a slight fever along with the respiratory infection. Despite this, he continued to fulfill his duties, holding daily audiences and even presiding over a Mass on Sunday. However, due to breathing difficulties, he delegated the reading of his speeches to an aide. This ongoing health challenge is no surprise, as the pope has faced significant health issues for years. In his youth, he had part of one lung removed, and he regularly experiences bouts of acute bronchitis, particularly during the winter months.
Pope Francis, who has used a wheelchair or cane to move around due to age and health concerns, also recently suffered a fall, injuring his arm and chin. His health challenges have led to him appearing bloated at times, likely a side effect of medication he is using to treat his lung condition. Despite these health setbacks, the pontiff has remained dedicated to his role, meeting with foreign dignitaries such as the Slovak prime minister and the head of CNN just before his hospitalization.
He is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital, which has become familiar to the pope after previous stays, including a surgery in June 2023 for intestinal issues. His hospitalization this time is to allow further treatment for his bronchitis. There has been no official word on how long he will remain in the hospital or how his schedule will be affected, though the Vatican has confirmed that some of his upcoming events may be postponed or adjusted. This includes a special Holy Year event planned for the weekend, a meeting with artists, and a visit to Rome’s famous Cinecitta studios on Monday.
While his condition may cause some concern among his followers, Pope Francis has shown resilience in the face of numerous health battles throughout his papacy. His commitment to serving the faithful is unwavering, despite the challenges of his advancing age and ongoing medical issues.