Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday for medical tests and treatment for bronchitis, according to a Vatican statement.
The pontiff, who has experienced breathlessness in recent days and delegated others to deliver his speeches, was hospitalized after his morning meetings.
He is receiving care at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where the Vatican stated he was undergoing “necessary diagnostic tests and continued treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting.”
Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, has struggled with breathing difficulties for over a week, prompting him to frequently request aides to read his speeches aloud on his behalf.
This is not the first time the pope has faced health challenges related to bronchitis. In March 2023, he was hospitalized for three nights and successfully treated with antibiotics.
Later in December, he canceled a planned visit to Dubai for the United Nations COP28 climate change conference due to another bronchitis episode.
In recent years, the Argentine pontiff has faced various health concerns, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and hernia surgery.