Pope Francis hospitalized for bronchitis and medical checks

Pope Francis has been admitted to hospital in Rome for tests and treatment for ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican announced.

The 88-year-old, who has been breathless in recent days after being diagnosed last Thursday and has delegated officials to read his speeches, was admitted following his morning audiences, it said.

‘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,’ a statement said.

The Pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has long battled health problems, especially long bouts of acute bronchitis in winter. 

Earlier this month, Francis told pilgrims at a weekly audience that he was suffering from a ‘strong cold,’ which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.

Ever since his diagnosis, Francis has appeared bloated, an indication the medication he was taking to treat the lung infection was making him retain water. 

He has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in recent years, undergoing surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

Last month the pontiff injured his right arm in a fall at his Santa Marta home, the Holy See said, adding that he did not suffer any fractures. 

Despite his age and health woes, Francis has remained very active in recent months, completing in September a four-nation trip, the longest of his papacy in terms of duration and distance. 

‘I am well,’ Pope Francis said in January. ‘The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.’

He said it was ’embarrassing at first to have to use a wheelchair, but old age never arrives by itself, and it must be accepted for what it is.’

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