Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis: a new challenge for his health

Bronchitis forces the pope to delegate the reading of his catechesis
Pope Francis, 88 years old, was hospitalized on Friday, February 14, at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to treat bronchitis, which is causing significant respiratory difficulties. This condition had already forced him, on Wednesday, to forgo reading his catechesis during the weekly general audience, entrusting the task to a priest. “With my bronchitis, I cannot do it yet. I hope I will be able to next time,” he had said.

The pontiff maintains a busy schedule despite recurring health issues
For several days, the Vatican had adjusted his schedule due to his health. The previous week, he had already asked an assistant to read his speech, mentioning a “bad cold.” Despite these difficulties, he made sure to conclude the audience with greetings to the pilgrims and a call to pray for peace.

A medical history marked by several hospitalizations in recent years
Pope Francis has experienced various health problems over the past few years, including knee and hip pain, respiratory infections, and surgeries. In June 2023, he was hospitalized for ten days following an abdominal hernia operation, after undergoing several other hospitalizations, including one for bronchitis in March 2023. However, these health issues have not slowed his commitment to his mission.

Despite persistent health problems, Pope Francis has continued to maintain a busy schedule at the Vatican, often with up to ten appointments in a single morning. He also continues to travel, most recently undertaking the longest trip of his pontificate to Southeast Asia and Oceania.