VATICAN CITY, Rome – Pope Francis has been admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for further medical evaluations and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican announced on Friday, February 14, 2025.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been grappling with respiratory issues in recent weeks, leading to the cancellation of engagements and delegation of public speaking duties.
“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and continued hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis,” the Vatican stated.
Officials later confirmed his admission and the cancellation of all scheduled meetings for the next three days.
Health Struggles and Recent Public Appearances
Despite his illness, Pope Francis held meetings at the Vatican on Friday morning, including discussions with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN Chief Executive Mark Thompson.
Vatican correspondents noted that while the Pope remained mentally alert, he struggled with extended speech due to breathing difficulties. CNN’s Vatican Correspondent, Christopher Lamb, observed visible strain in the Pope’s ability to speak.
Earlier this week, the Pope delegated aides to read his speeches at several events, including Sunday’s Mass and Wednesday’s general audience. During the latter, he addressed attendees:
“Let me ask the priest to continue to read, because I cannot yet, with my bronchitis. I hope that next time I can.”
Recurring Health Concerns
This latest hospitalization follows a series of health challenges that have raised concerns about the Pope’s ability to sustain his rigorous schedule.
In March 2023, he spent three nights at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment. In June of the same year, he underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia, requiring an extended recovery period. His health concerns continued into late 2023 when he had to cancel his planned trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai due to illness.
More recently, in January 2025, Pope Francis suffered a fall, injuring his arm—further highlighting the toll of his advancing age. He has also lived with long-term respiratory issues since his youth, having had part of a lung removed at age 21 following a severe bout of pneumonia. Additionally, he suffers from diverticulitis, a condition affecting the colon, for which he had surgery in 2021.
A Demanding Schedule Amid Health Challenges
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has maintained a demanding travel schedule. In 2024, he embarked on a 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, covering nearly 20,000 miles—one of the longest papal trips in history.
Last week, the Vatican announced his planned meeting with King Charles III in April. However, it remains uncertain whether his latest hospitalization will impact his upcoming commitments.
For now, Vatican officials have not disclosed the expected duration of his hospital stay but have assured the public that his condition is being closely monitored.
