Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, is set to be hospitalized on Friday for treatment of bronchitis, as confirmed by the Vatican. This comes amid a backdrop of ongoing health challenges that the pontiff has faced in recent months, although he has assured the faithful that he has never contemplated resigning from his papal duties.
Details of the hospital admission
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will enter Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic after completing his scheduled commitments for the morning, which include a significant meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The announcement clarified that the pope was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday but has remained active, holding indoor audiences at Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican.
Having undergone significant health issues, including a history of respiratory problems due to part of his lung being removed during his youth, this latest bout of bronchitis adds to the list of ailments he has suffered recently. Notably, he experienced a minor injury to his chin from a fall in December and sustained an injury to his right arm in a similar incident last month.
Upcoming engagements and reflections
Pope Francis is expected to attend an event with artists on Saturday, which is part of a special Holy Year observance, followed by a mass on Sunday. Despite his health challenges, he has expressed a steadfast commitment to his role, stating in his autobiography “Hope,” “I do not consider the possibility” of resigning, even after undergoing major intestinal surgery in 2021.
“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing,” the Vatican’s statement read.
While the specifics of his hospital stay remain undisclosed, the pope’s upcoming health treatment highlights the challenges faced by the pontiff as he continues to lead the Church amidst personal health struggles.