Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday due to worsening bronchitis, prompting the Vatican to cancel his scheduled appearances for the next three days.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, where he underwent medical examinations and began pharmacological treatment. According to the Vatican, initial tests confirmed a respiratory tract infection, though his condition remains stable with a slight fever.
Despite his hospitalization, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni reported that the pope is in good spirits and has been reading newspapers. Adjustments have been made to events related to the Jubilee of Hope, including the cancellation of Saturday’s Jubilee Audience and changes to Sunday’s Holy Mass, which will now be led by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça.
Francis, who has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including surgeries in 2021 and 2023, had previously been diagnosed with bronchitis earlier this month. Last month, he received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction from former President Joe Biden. Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis is the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and, at 88, the second-oldest pope in history.
