Pope Francis has been admitted this Friday to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome due to bronchitis, according to a report from the Vatican City this Friday.
The Press Office of the Holy See communicated that, due to his hospitalization, scheduled events for the coming days have been canceled.
The Argentine Pontiff, 88 years old, was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday.
Despite this, until the morning of this Friday, he continued with his usual agenda at the Casa Santa Marta, where he met with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, and with the director of the American network CNN, Mark Thompson.
Suspension of his official agenda
However, due to the worsening of the Pope's bronchitis, the Vatican confirmed the cancellation of several events scheduled for the weekend.
Among the canceled events are the Jubilee Hearing scheduled for Saturday, February 15, the Holy Mass on Sunday, February 16, and a meeting with artists that was set for Monday, February 17 at Cinecittà.
"The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, on Sunday, February 16, will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education," detailed the Press Office.
Bronchitis has affected the Pope's health since late January, when he began to show respiratory symptoms.
Initially, it was thought that the ailment would be temporary, but its evolution has required more intensive medical attention.
Medical history of the Pontiff
Francisco has faced several health issues in recent years.
In June 2023, he underwent surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall. Previously, in March of the same year, he spent three days in the same hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics for another respiratory infection.
Since his youth, when part of a lung was removed, the Pope has experienced recurring respiratory issues.
Last year, during Holy Week, he was affected by prolonged bronchitis.
The Vatican has not provided additional details regarding the duration of his hospitalization or the current health status of the Supreme Pontiff.
However, the official communication from the Holy See has been more transparent compared to the relapse in 2023 - as reported by the media - when it was initially disclosed that it was a scheduled medical evaluation, and later the Pope spent ten days hospitalized in July 2021 following intestinal surgery.
For the moment, the Pope is expected to continue his treatment in the hospital, while the Vatican assesses his progress and the next steps to be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Francis's Health
Why was Pope Francis hospitalized?
Pope Francis has been hospitalized due to bronchitis, according to a report from the Vatican. This condition has affected his health since late January, leading to the need for intensive medical care.
What events of Pope Francis were canceled due to his hospitalization?
Due to the hospitalization of Pope Francis for bronchitis, several scheduled events were canceled, such as the Jubilee Audience on February 15, the Holy Mass on February 16, and a meeting with artists on February 17 at Cinecittà. These events will be presided over by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça in the Pope's absence.
What are Pope Francis's recent medical history details?
Pope Francis has faced several health issues in recent years. In June 2023, he underwent surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall. Additionally, in March of the same year, he was hospitalized for another respiratory infection.
Filed under:
