Pope Francis, who was hospitalised on Friday after his weeklong bronchitis worsened, spent a peaceful first night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican said on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff ate breakfast, read the newspapers, and continued his medication, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, quoted by news agency AP.
Francis was admitted with a respiratory tract infection, raising concerns about his fragile health. Initial tests confirmed a respiratory tract infection and a slight fever, prompting the Vatican to cancel his scheduled audiences through at least Monday.
Despite being diagnosed with bronchitis on 6 February, the catholic leader continued his regular schedule, holding daily meetings at his Vatican residence.
However, he relied on aides to read his speeches, citing breathing difficulties.
The pope is receiving care in a private suite on the 10th floor of Gemelli hospital, traditionally reserved for popes. He previously disclosed that during a hospitalisation in 2023, he had been diagnosed with “an acute and strong pneumonia, in the lower part of the lungs.”
For now, the Vatican has assured that Pope Francis is responding well to treatment, with further updates on his condition expected in the coming days.
Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, faced multiple health challenges in recent years. He underwent major intestinal surgery in 2021 to remove a portion of his colon and another abdominal operation in 2023 to address scar tissue and a hernia.
The pope also uses a wheelchair, walker, or cane, and recently suffered two falls, injuring his arm and chin.