Friday, February 14, 2025 - Pope Francis has been admitted to hospital in Rome for tests and treatment for ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican announced.
The 88-year-old, who has been breathless in recent days after
being diagnosed last Thursday and has delegated officials to read his speeches,
was admitted following his morning audiences, it said.
'This morning, at the end of his audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to
the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for some necessary diagnostic tests and to
continue his treatment for bronchitis, which is still ongoing, in a hospital
environment,' a statement said.
The Pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has
long battled health problems, especially long bouts of acute bronchitis in
winter.
Earlier this month, Francis told pilgrims at a weekly audience
that he was suffering from a 'strong cold,' which the Vatican later described
as bronchitis.
Ever since his diagnosis, Francis has appeared bloated, an indication
the medication he was taking to treat the lung infection was making him retain
water.
He has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in recent
years, undergoing surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called
diverticulitis and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.
Last month the pontiff injured his right arm in a fall at his Santa
Marta home, the Holy See said, adding that he did not suffer any
fractures.
Despite his age and health woes, Francis has remained very active in
recent months, completing in September a four-nation trip, the longest of his
papacy in terms of duration and distance.
'I am well,' Pope Francis said in January. 'The Church is governed using
the head and the heart, not the legs.'
He said it was 'embarrassing at first to have to use a wheelchair,
but old age never arrives by itself, and it must be accepted for what it is.'
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