Pope Francis hospitalised

The pontiff is now undergoing treatment for bronchitis, according to The Holy See Press Office.

Pope Francis has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday for treatment of a respiratory tract infection after recently suffering from bronchitis, the Holy See Press Office said on Friday.

The pope (88) has undergone specialised examinations and has begun hospital drug therapy after experiencing a worsening of his bronchitis in recent days, according to the statement. “The clinical condition is fair; he presents mild febrile alteration,” the Vatican said.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, stated that the pope is “serene” and in good spirits.

Before his hospitalisation, he had a busy schedule, which included a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital four times, raising concerns about his health. He underwent colon surgery in 2021, hernia repair in 2023, and has recurrent respiratory issues due to past pleurisy, which led to a partial lung removal. He also faces mobility challenges from chronic sciatica and knee problems, often requiring a wheelchair or cane.

The Vatican has canceled all of his scheduled events through at least Monday, February 17. These cancellations include a Saturday audience, Sunday Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, and a visit to the Cinecitta film studios in Rome on Monday.

Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis has continued to fulfill his papal duties and has expressed his readiness to resign if his health prevents him from performing his responsibilities. In his autobiography “Hope,” released in January 2025, he emphasised, “I am well,” and added, “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.”

The Gemelli Hospital, where the pope is currently receiving treatment, has a history of caring for pontiffs. Pope John Paul II was treated there several times, including after the 1981 assassination attempt.