Pope Francis has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome due to health complications. It was reported that the 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted for bronchitis that has been affecting him. According to the Press Office of the Holy See, the Pope is under intensive medical care to continue with his treatment. Despite the hospitalization, no details have been provided about its duration or the scheduled events on his agenda.
Pope Francis has been photographed with a visibly swollen face at recent celebrations, raising concern among his followers. He has delegated some of his speeches to an assistant due to breathing difficulties. Despite maintaining his daily audiences in the Vatican since being diagnosed with bronchitis last week, it was decided to perform diagnostic tests to evaluate his health condition.
The Pontiff had previously been hospitalized in June 2023 for intestinal surgery and hernia repair. Since then, he has continued to experience health issues such as acute bronchitis in winter. His latest hospitalization has raised concern among the faithful, especially with the cancellation of scheduled events on his agenda.
Although it has been reported that his condition is not critical, several activities on the Pope's agenda have been suspended. This includes the cancellation of the jubilee audience on Saturday and the mass scheduled for Sunday. Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça is expected to preside over the mass instead of the Pope. Ecclesiastical authorities have asked for prayers for the Pontiff's speedy recovery, who has experienced health issues over the years.
