Pope Francis was hospitalized for treatment of “worsening of his bronchitis” Friday, as the Vatican canceled his appearances for the next three days, the Vatican said.
Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Friday morning, according to a statement from the Vatican.
He has undergone specialist examinations and has begun hospital pharmacological treatment.
“Initial tests indicate a respiratory tract infection,” the Vatican said. “His clinical condition is stable, with a slight fever.”
Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, told journalists; “The pope is calm, he is in good spirits and has read some newspapers.”
After meeting with morning audiences, he went to the hospital.
Adjustments have been made to events involving the yearlong Jubilee of Hope that began 24 Dec.
The tradition, which dates to the early 14th century and takes place every 25 years, is also known as a Holy Year.
The Jubilee Audience scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture on Sunday will be presided over by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
The meeting with artists, originally planned for Monday at Cinecittà, will “not take place due to the Pope’s inability to attend,” the statement said.
He has asked his collaborators to read his prepared remarks at the last two Wednesday General Audiences.
The Vatican press office released a statement Feb. 6 noting that Pope Francis was suffering from bronchitis and held his audience at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
Francis has undergone treatment for various ailments, including bouts with influenza and other health issues over the past two years. He underwent surgeries in 2021 and 2023.
Last month, Francis received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the country’s highest civilian honor via phone, from former President Joe Biden before he left office.
Born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis is the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere. He is also the second-oldest pope, turning 88 in December.
(UPI)
