14.02.2025 14:41
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has been hospitalized in a Rome hospital due to ongoing bronchitis. The 88-year-old Francis, who has been short of breath in recent days and has had officials read his speeches, will continue his treatment in the hospital.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, the head of the Vatican State and the spiritual leader of Catholics, has been hospitalized for the treatment of his ongoing bronchitis and for necessary examinations.
In a statement regarding the 88-year-old Pope's condition from the Vatican, it was reported that Pope Francis was taken to Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital this morning for 'some necessary tests for diagnosis' and to continue the treatment of bronchitis at the end of his meetings. The statement also provided information that the Pope's treatment is currently continuing in the hospital environment.
Since taking office in 2013, Francis has experienced a series of health issues, including a flu infection, over the past two years. Earlier this month, Pope Francis stated in a statement that he was experiencing a 'severe cold,' and later, a statement from the Vatican indicated that the Pope had bronchitis.
"HE SEEMED TO BE HAVING DIFFICULTY SPEAKING"
Despite his illness, the Pope continues to carry out his daily duties and meetings, holding his meetings at the residence in the Vatican where he also lives. Before being hospitalized today, Pope Francis had an official meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. This morning, the Pope also hosted a Puerto Rico-based charity organization together with Cardinal Luis Tagle and had a meeting with CNN CEO Mark Thompson. A person who attended one of these meetings stated, on the condition of anonymity, that the Pope seemed to be having difficulty speaking during his discussions.
Pope Francis recently fell twice at his residence in the Vatican, injured his chin in December 2024, and hurt his arm in January. The Gemelli hospital, the largest in the city, has a special suite for the treatment of Popes. Pope Francis had stayed in the hospital for nine days after undergoing hernia surgery in June 2023.