Pope Francis, who has been having breathing difficulties lately and having others read his speeches, went to his regular morning meetings before going to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican said.
He was hospitalized for “some required diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for chronic bronchitis in a hospital environment,” the statement said. The 87-year-old pontiff, who has been the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, will be residing in a private suite earmarked for popes, which contains a chapel.
Francis, who underwent the removal of part of one lung during his youth, has been experiencing breathing problems for more than a week. He has often asked assistants to read speeches aloud to him. While reading his Wednesday general audience remarks, he commented, “I cannot yet” read them on his own but followed with a smile, “I hope that next time I can.”
To facilitate his recovery, he held meetings at home on February 6 and 7. In spite of his state, he went ahead with engagements, such as an audience on Friday morning with five visitors, including Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Pope’s Health Issues
The pope has encountered several health issues over the past few years but continues to keep a busy schedule. In March 2023, he stayed in the hospital for three nights because of bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics.Another episode of bronchitis forced him to reschedule his December 2023 visit to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
He also underwent hernia surgery in June 2023 and intestinal surgery in 2021 for diverticulitis over the years. He has mostly been using a wheelchair since 2022 due to knee pain and takes a cane while standing, at times.
Francis has also experienced several falls, including one in January that resulted in a bruised forearm and another in December when he fell out of bed, which resulted in a visible bruise on his jaw.
Regardless of these difficulties, the pope seldom lets up. In September 2024, he took off on a four-country Asia-Pacific tour, his longest journey in distance and length. He never vacations and often conducts a dozen meetings in a morning.
His continued health problems tend to create speculation regarding his future, especially given that his predecessor, Benedict XVI, had resigned because of worsening health in 2013. Nevertheless, in a memoir released last year, Francis ruled out any plans to retire in the near future, saying, “I do not have any cause serious enough to make me think of resigning.” He further noted that resignation is still a “distant possibility” and would only be entertained in case of “a serious physical impediment.”
