Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican announced.
According to Vatican reports, the 88-year-old has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, and was admitted following his morning audiences.
Read also: Pope Francis warns against AI misuse, prioritises human dignity
He was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for “some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting,” it added.
The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has been experiencing breathing difficulties for over a week and has repeatedly asked aides to read his speeches aloud on his behalf.
Read also: Pope urges Catholics to defend human dignity, eliminate trafficking
Francis was hospitalized for three nights in March 2023 with bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics.
The Pope had to cancel trips such as the United Nations COP28 climate change conference in Dubai in December of 2023 due to another bout of bronchitis.
The Argentine pontiff has faced various health challenges in recent years, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and surgery for a hernia.
