Rome: Pope Francis, the 88-year-old pontiff, has been hospitalised for treatment of bronchitis and to undergo necessary diagnostic tests, the Vatican confirmed on Friday. This marks the latest health challenge for the pope, who has battled long-standing medical issues throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, but despite the illness, he continued with his daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite. He also presided over a general audience and an outdoor Mass last Sunday. During these events, the pope handed off his speeches to an aide, explaining that he was struggling with his breathing.

A history of health issues

The pope, who had part of one lung removed in his youth, has a long history of health concerns, particularly frequent bouts of acute bronchitis during the winter months. Additionally, Pope Francis relies on a wheelchair, walker, or cane to move around his apartment. In recent months, he has suffered two falls, which resulted in injuries to his arm and chin.

Since his diagnosis, Pope Francis has appeared bloated, likely due to the medication he has been taking to treat the lung infection, which has caused him to retain water.

Hospitalisation at Gemelli Hospital

Pope Francis has been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for further treatment and tests. This is not the first time the pope has been hospitalised at Gemelli; he was last admitted in June 2023 for surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall. He also spent three days there earlier that year receiving intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection.

A statement from the Vatican explained, "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."

Pope's engagement before hospitalisation

Before his hospitalisation, Pope Francis met with several notable figures, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN head Mark Thompson. These meetings took place Friday morning, prior to the pope’s scheduled admission to the hospital.

AP