Pope Francis Rushed To Hospital

Concerns over Pope Francis’ health grew Friday as the Vatican abruptly canceled his schedule for the next three days. The announcement, which came after the pontiff was admitted to the hospital for treatment, set off questions about his ability to keep up with his demanding role.

“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue his treatment for bronchitis,” the Vatican confirmed in a statement.

As a result, the Pope has called off several major engagements, including the highly anticipated Jubilee Audience with pilgrims on Feb. 15, a Holy Mass on Feb. 16, and a planned meeting with artists on Feb. 17. The 87-year-old pontiff, who has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, has often downplayed concerns about his well-being, insisting that he remains fit to lead.

However, Friday’s hospitalization underscores the ongoing strain on his health, particularly as he continues to battle respiratory issues. This is not the first time Pope Francis has sought medical attention for bronchitis.

The Vatican has yet to provide further details on the severity of his current condition or whether additional medical interventions will be required. Pope Francis, born in 1936, has faced several health challenges throughout his life.

Rome, Italy 06.01.2025 : Pope Francis Bergoglio speaks during the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord Holy Mass on Altar of the Confession, St. Peter’s Basilica

At the age of 21, he developed pleurisy, a severe lung infection that led to the partial removal of one lung. In recent years, respiratory issues have remained a concern. Since early 2023, he has suffered repeated bouts of influenza and bronchitis, requiring antibiotic treatment.

In March of that year, he was hospitalized with bronchitis but recovered swiftly after receiving medical care. Later that November, he canceled a planned trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai due to influenza and lung inflammation.

The Pope has also undergone significant medical procedures in recent years. In July 2021, he had surgery to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon due to diverticulitis, a painful bowel condition that left him hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for 11 days. Two years later, in June 2023, he underwent surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, resulting in another nine-day hospital stay.

Rome Italy 03 24 2024: Pope Francis Bergoglio. Argentine Pope of the Catholic Church in the Vatican. International trips to Papua New Guinea, Singapore Luxembourg Belgium with Brussels for a peace

Beyond these major operations, Francis has long dealt with chronic pain conditions. Sciatica, a nerve condition affecting the back, hip, and legs, has troubled him for years. A flare-up in December 2020 forced him to miss New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day services—marking the first time health issues had caused him to be absent from major religious observances.

His mobility has further been hindered by knee problems, which have required him to use a wheelchair or cane. Rather than opting for surgery, he has relied on laser and magnet therapy, though the condition has limited his travel and public engagements.

More recently, concerns over the Pope’s stability have grown following two falls in quick succession. In December 2024, he suffered a fall in his residence that left him with a bruised chin. The following month, in January 2025, he experienced another fall, this time injuring his arm—an incident that further fueled speculation about his overall health.

Francis has spoken openly about the psychological toll of leadership and the pressures he has faced over the years. In 2021, he revealed that during his early years as a priest in Argentina, he sought psychiatric help to cope with anxiety amid military dictatorship.