Pope Francis Hospitalized Again Amid Health Concerns

Pope Francis's health has raised significant concerns following his hospitalization for bronchitis. The Vatican has confirmed he will remain under medical care, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the elderly pontiff as he continues his ministry.

Pope Francis has been admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli in Rome for treatment related to an ongoing case of bronchitis, the Vatican announced on Friday. This development has rekindled worries about the pontiff’s health as he continues to navigate his duties at the age of 88. According to the Vatican, the pope had participated in his usual morning audiences before being taken to the hospital for further diagnostic tests and treatment.

The Vatican had previously disclosed on February 1 that the pontiff was suffering from bronchitis, prompting him to hold his audiences at the Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace to manage his condition better. In recent weeks, Pope Francis has encountered respiratory issues, resulting in his aides having to read his homilies and remarks at various events.

Since the commencement of the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event held every 25 years in the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, presiding over multiple audiences each week and celebrating Mass on weekends. Recently, a large turnout for one Jubilee event necessitated the Mass to be held outdoors in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.

His last hospital admission follows several audience sessions earlier that day, including meetings with notable figures such as Robert Fico, the Slovakian Prime Minister, and Mark Thompson, CNN's CEO. Pope Francis has a history of lung issues that began in his youth when he lost part of a lung. He has faced a variety of health challenges in recent years, including a hospitalization for bronchitis in 2023, abdominal surgery for hernia repair, and diagnostic tests for flu-like symptoms.

Moreover, Pope Francis has experienced falls at the Vatican, resulting in injuries, including a bruise on his chin and an arm injury from a more recent incident. During his weekly general audience, he had to relinquish reading his prepared remarks to an aide, stating, "With my bronchitis I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time."

Elisabetta Povoledo, reporting from Rome, provides insights on the health and culture of Italy and the Vatican, continuing her diligent coverage of the pontiff.