Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital for Bronchitis Treatment

VATICAN CITY, Feb. 14, 2025 — Pope Francis was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on Friday for treatment of bronchitis and necessary medical examinations, according to a statement from the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling bronchitis for several weeks, leading to concerns about his health. The Vatican confirmed that he will undergo diagnostic tests and continue treatment in a hospital setting.

“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 stated.

Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis held a series of meetings at the Vatican, including discussions with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson. Christopher Lamb, CNN’s Vatican Correspondent, noted that while the pope remained mentally alert, he struggled during conversations due to breathing difficulties.

The pope’s ongoing health concerns are particularly troubling for the Roman Catholic Church. Francis has a history of lung-related issues. In his youth, he suffered from severe pneumonia and underwent surgery to remove part of a lung.

Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has frequently been seen with a walking stick and, on occasion, has used a wheelchair. Last month, he also suffered an arm injury. In addition to bronchitis, he is dealing with diverticulitis, a condition that can cause inflammation of the colon, which led to surgery in 2021.

Despite these health challenges, Francis maintains a busy schedule, recently traveling to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific in one of the longest international trips of any papacy, covering approximately 20,000 miles.

As the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis’s well-being remains a focal point for millions around the world, with followers expressing their concerns and prayers for his recovery.