Pope’s recurring bronchitis requires new hospital stay

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Pope Francis is receiving treatment for bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where doctors will conduct necessary diagnostic tests, according to a Vatican announcement on Friday. The 88-year-old pontiff’s ongoing health challenges continue to raise concerns.

Despite his bronchitis diagnosis last Thursday, the Pope maintained his daily schedule, hosting audiences at his Vatican hotel suite and even celebrating an outdoor Mass on Sunday. However, his breathing difficulties necessitated having an aide read his speeches aloud.

The Pope’s health history includes several challenges, notably the removal of part of his lung in his youth and recurring bouts of severe bronchitis during winter months. His mobility has been limited, requiring the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane around his apartment, and he recently experienced two falls resulting in arm and chin injuries.

Francis was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis. No matter what you think of him as the current leader of the church, pray for him and his health. pic.twitter.com/drup781oxd

— Patrick Coffin (@CoffinMedia) February 14, 2025

Recent appearances have shown the pontiff looking noticeably bloated, suggesting water retention as a side effect of his bronchitis medication. This latest hospitalization follows previous stays at Gemelli hospital, including a June 2023 surgery for intestinal scar tissue and hernia repair, and a three-day admission for intravenous antibiotic treatment of a respiratory infection.

“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing,” the Vatican statement announced.

Prior to his admission, Francis met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN head Mark Thompson among other Vatican officials. The Vatican has not specified the duration of his hospital stay or addressed potential changes to his upcoming schedule, which includes an artists’ audience on Saturday, Sunday Mass, and a planned visit to Rome’s Cinecitta studios on Monday.

This hospitalization announcement stands in contrast to a 2023 incident involving bronchitis. Initially described as routine testing, the Pope later revealed he had experienced chest pain requiring urgent hospitalization. After receiving intravenous antibiotics, he was discharged on April 1, making a lighthearted comment about being “still alive.”

The Pope’s medical history also includes a ten-day stay at Gemelli in July 2021 for surgery addressing bowel narrowing.