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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
Outside the box.
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Bronchitis, Cancels Events
The Vatican announces the pontiff's admission for respiratory treatment amid ongoing health concerns.
Pope Francis has canceled all scheduled events for the upcoming days following his hospitalization, as confirmed by the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday due to complications arising from bronchitis, which had reportedly led to breathing difficulties during a meeting.
A statement from the Vatican issued on Friday evening indicated that the pope's bronchitis had worsened, prompting his admission to the hospital.
Initial diagnostic tests revealed a "respiratory tract infection." During his stay, he has commenced a course of hospital drug therapy, and his "clinical condition is fair; he has a slight fever," according to the statement.
Consequently, the pope has canceled a planned audience scheduled for Saturday.
Additionally, a mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Sunday will be conducted by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça instead of the pontiff.
A visit to Cinecittà film studios on Monday has also been canceled.
On the day of his hospitalization, Pope Francis conducted several meetings, including one with Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN.
Reports from the network indicated that the pontiff was "mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties."
Pope Francis has faced significant health challenges in recent years.
He was previously hospitalized for acute bronchitis in March 2023 and has undergone several health evaluations, having been readmitted to Gemelli Hospital in June 2023 and again in February 2024 for various respiratory issues.
In the past, he has experienced life-altering health matters, including the removal of part of a lung during his training to become a priest in Argentina, as well as undergoing a colon operation in June 2021.
The pope's physical limitations have been evident in his public appearances, where he has often relied on a wheelchair and a walking stick due to ongoing sciatic nerve pain and a knee ailment.
Earlier this year, he sustained injuries from a fall at his residence and experienced complications after his walking stick malfunctioned.
Despite these health issues, Pope Francis has maintained a rigorous schedule, especially in light of the Catholic Jubilee occurring this year.
He has previously mentioned the possibility of resigning from the papacy should his health significantly deteriorate.
Notably, he has disclosed his choice of burial place — the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighborhood — diverging from the historical practice of papal interments in the grottos beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday due to complications arising from bronchitis, which had reportedly led to breathing difficulties during a meeting.
A statement from the Vatican issued on Friday evening indicated that the pope's bronchitis had worsened, prompting his admission to the hospital.
Initial diagnostic tests revealed a "respiratory tract infection." During his stay, he has commenced a course of hospital drug therapy, and his "clinical condition is fair; he has a slight fever," according to the statement.
Consequently, the pope has canceled a planned audience scheduled for Saturday.
Additionally, a mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Sunday will be conducted by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça instead of the pontiff.
A visit to Cinecittà film studios on Monday has also been canceled.
On the day of his hospitalization, Pope Francis conducted several meetings, including one with Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN.
Reports from the network indicated that the pontiff was "mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties."
Pope Francis has faced significant health challenges in recent years.
He was previously hospitalized for acute bronchitis in March 2023 and has undergone several health evaluations, having been readmitted to Gemelli Hospital in June 2023 and again in February 2024 for various respiratory issues.
In the past, he has experienced life-altering health matters, including the removal of part of a lung during his training to become a priest in Argentina, as well as undergoing a colon operation in June 2021.
The pope's physical limitations have been evident in his public appearances, where he has often relied on a wheelchair and a walking stick due to ongoing sciatic nerve pain and a knee ailment.
Earlier this year, he sustained injuries from a fall at his residence and experienced complications after his walking stick malfunctioned.
Despite these health issues, Pope Francis has maintained a rigorous schedule, especially in light of the Catholic Jubilee occurring this year.
He has previously mentioned the possibility of resigning from the papacy should his health significantly deteriorate.
Notably, he has disclosed his choice of burial place — the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino neighborhood — diverging from the historical practice of papal interments in the grottos beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica.
