Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for treatment and further tests after struggling with bronchitis, the Vatican announced on Friday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been experiencing breathing difficulties in recent days, was hospitalised following his morning audiences.
According to the Vatican, he is undergoing “necessary diagnostic tests” and receiving continued care in a hospital setting.
“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing,” the statement said.
Despite his condition, the Pope has continued holding daily meetings at his Vatican residence but has had to delegate his speeches to aides due to breathlessness.
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having had part of one lung removed as a young man.
In March last year, he was hospitalised for three days with bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics. He was later forced to cancel a planned trip to Dubai in December due to another flare-up.
His health has been a growing concern in recent years, with various ailments including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and a hernia operation. He also reportedly suffered two falls recently, injuring his arm and chin.
The Pope was admitted to hospital after concluding his scheduled meetings on Friday, which included an audience with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN chief Mark Thompson.
