The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis has been admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for treatment of a respiratory tract infection. At 88 years old, the pope's current condition is described as 'fair' following his admission for bronchitis treatment. The Vatican spokesperson mentioned that Pope Francis had a 'calm' night and was awake on Friday morning, engaging in activities like having breakfast and reading newspapers.
An official medical update on the pope's condition is expected to be released on Saturday after 5 p.m. CET. It is uncertain whether he will lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday from the hospital balcony. The Vatican stated that the pope is undergoing necessary diagnostic tests and continued treatment for ongoing bronchitis.
Pope Francis has had previous visits to the hospital and underwent abdominal surgery in 2023. Recent struggles with bronchitis have led him to delegate speeches and addresses to aides. Despite his health challenges, he managed to hold audiences at the Vatican on Friday morning, meeting with the prime minister of Slovakia and the Chief Executive.
While the pope was mentally alert during the meetings, he faced difficulties speaking for extended periods due to breathing issues. The Vatican has not provided a clear timeline for how long Pope Francis will remain in the hospital, emphasizing the need for ongoing medical care and observation.