Pope Francis, who was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday for treatment of bronchitis, has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection, though Vatican officials say he remains in stable condition. The 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing specialist examinations and has started hospital drug therapy to manage his symptoms. Initial tests confirmed an infection in his respiratory tract, and while he is experiencing a slight fever, Vatican officials reassured the public that his overall clinical condition is fair.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, provided updates on the pope’s health, stating that Francis is "serene and in good spirits" despite his illness. He has been reading newspapers and staying mentally engaged, showing resilience despite his ongoing battle with respiratory issues. His bronchitis had been persisting for more than a week before his hospitalization, and earlier this month, he addressed pilgrims at a weekly audience, mentioning that he was suffering from a “strong cold.” The Vatican later clarified that it had developed into bronchitis, a condition that has caused him visible discomfort in recent weeks.
Given his health condition, the Vatican announced that the pope would be skipping several planned public events over the next three days to allow him to focus on his recovery. However, before being admitted to the hospital, Pope Francis managed to hold a series of important meetings, including one with CNN CEO Mark Thompson. A report by CNN described the pope as being mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties. His other engagements included meetings with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, senior Vatican official Cardinal Luis Tagle, and members of a Catholic philanthropy group based in Puerto Rico. A video of his meeting with Fico showed him seated at a desk in his Vatican residence, smiling and speaking in a noticeably soft tone.
Pope Francis has been experiencing respiratory challenges since mid-December, leading to increasing difficulty in delivering public addresses. Throughout January and February, he was present at several events but often had aides read his prepared statements instead of speaking himself. In addition to his respiratory struggles, the pope has also suffered two falls at his Vatican residence in recent months, bruising his chin in December and injuring his arm in January.
Despite these health setbacks, Francis has continued to maintain an ambitious schedule, displaying his characteristic determination to remain active in his papacy. He has refused to slow down, even as his mobility has become increasingly limited. The pope relies on a wheelchair and a cane due to knee problems but has insisted on keeping up with his commitments, including international travel. In September 2023, he undertook a demanding 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, marking the longest foreign visit of his papacy.
Pope Francis' history of lung issues has made him more vulnerable to respiratory infections. As a young man, he suffered from pleurisy, a severe inflammation of the lung lining, which resulted in the partial removal of one of his lungs. This pre-existing condition has made him particularly susceptible to recurring lung infections and breathing difficulties, raising concerns about his ability to recover quickly from respiratory illnesses.
Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the largest medical center in the city, has a special suite reserved for treating popes, ensuring that Francis is receiving top-tier medical attention. This is not his first stay at the facility; in June 2023, he spent nine days there following surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. His medical history also includes a major intestinal operation in 2021, during which a portion of his colon was removed.
As the Vatican closely monitors his condition, officials have emphasized that Pope Francis remains in good spirits and is cooperating with medical professionals. Further updates on his health are expected in the coming days, and while his recovery period remains uncertain, the pope’s resilience and determination to continue his mission remain clear.
