Pope Francis is set to be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on February 14, 2025, for continued medical attention due to bronchitis. The Vatican released a statement confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff will undergo diagnostic tests and receive hospital treatment for the ongoing condition. Pope Francis has been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days, leading to difficulties in delivering his prepared speeches at public events.
The Pope’s recent struggles with the illness were evident when he delegated his speech to a priest during a Wednesday audience. Despite his efforts to continue fulfilling his duties, he admitted that he could not speak due to the illness, hoping to recover in time to deliver his next address. In addition to this, he had previously asked aides to read his speeches at a mass on Sunday and last Wednesday’s general audience.
Pope Francis has a history of health challenges, including a serious lung condition that led to the partial removal of one of his lungs at the age of 21. His previous hospitalization for bronchitis at the Gemelli hospital occurred in March 2023, where he spent three nights under medical care. His latest hospitalization comes after a year marked by several health concerns, including a cancellation of a trip to the UAE in December 2023 due to illness.