The Vatican announced that Pope Francis is hospitalized due to a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on February 15, 2025, with his condition currently described as “fair.”
- Pope Francis hospitalized with respiratory infection
- His condition described as "fair"
- Official medical update expected Saturday
- Canceled meetings for the next three days
- Recent struggles with bronchitis reported
- Held audiences before hospitalization
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for treatment of bronchitis, a condition he has been struggling with in recent weeks. The Vatican confirmed that he is undergoing necessary diagnostic tests and continuing treatment in a hospital setting. His spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, reported that the pope had a calm night and was awake, eating breakfast and reading newspapers on the morning of his hospitalization.
Despite his health issues, the pope held several audiences at the Vatican on the day of his admission, including meetings with Slovakia’s prime minister and CNN’s Chief Executive, Mark Thompson. Although he was mentally alert during these meetings, he experienced difficulty speaking for extended periods due to breathing challenges.
In recent years, Pope Francis has made multiple visits to the hospital and underwent abdominal surgery in 2023. The Vatican has indicated that he will not lead the Angelus prayer from the hospital balcony on Sunday, as it remains uncertain if he will be well enough to do so. An official medical update on his condition is anticipated on Saturday after 5 p.m. CET.
Pope Francis’s hospitalization for bronchitis has raised concerns about his health, particularly given his age and previous medical history. The Vatican’s updates will be closely monitored by followers and the public alike as they await further information on his recovery.
