Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic for medical tests and ongoing treatment for bronchitis after his scheduled on Friday, the Vatican has confirmed.
“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,” said Vatican as quoted by Sky News.
The 88-year-old religious leader was diagnosed with bronchitis on February 6, but carried on with his activities indoors in the following days at Casa Santa Marta, where he resides and even presided at an outdoor Mass last Sunday.
Earlier this week, in his address the Pope sought an aide’s help to read his remarks, “Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still.”
He added, “I hope that next time I can.”
Francis has faced persistent health challenges, particularly recurrent bronchitis. Having had part of a lung removed in his youth, he has long struggled with health issues, often enduring prolonged bouts of acute bronchitis during winter.
Currently, Francis relies on a wheelchair, walker, or cane to move around his apartment. Recently, he also fell twice, injuring his arm and chin.
Since his diagnosis, the Pope has appeared bloated, which may be due to water retention caused by medication for his lung infection, AFP reported.
Previously he underwent surgery in June 2023, in the same hospital, to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair an abdominal hernia. A few months earlier, he had spent three days there receiving intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection.