By ELENA SALVONI and AFP

Published: 10:10 GMT, 14 February 2025 | Updated: 10:22 GMT, 14 February 2025

Pope Francis has been admitted to hospital in Rome for tests and treatment for ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican announced.

The 88-year-old, who has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, was admitted following his morning audiences, it said.

‘This morning, at the end of his audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue his treatment for bronchitis, which is still ongoing, in a hospital environment,’ a statement said.

Francis has been pope since 2013 and has suffered from influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years.

Earlier this month, Francis told pilgrims at a weekly audience that he was suffering from a ‘strong cold,’ which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.

Last month the pontiff injured his right arm in a fall at his Santa Marta home, the Holy See said, adding that he did not suffer any fractures.

As well as fragile health, the Pope has had reduced mobility in recent years, and often uses a cane or a wheelchair to move due to knee and back pain. 

Pope Francis is pictured earlier this week at the Vatican

He had surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis, and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

He has often downplayed concerns about his health and has also ruled out resigning, as his predecessor Benedict XVI did, amid concerns that he cannot meet the physical and mental demands of the papacy. 

Despite his age and health woes, Francis has remained very active in recent months, completing in September a four-nation trip — the longest of his papacy in terms of in duration and distance. 

‘I am well,’ Pope Francis said in January. ‘The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.’

He said it was ’embarrassing at first to have to use a wheelchair, but old age never arrives by itself, and it must be accepted for what it is.’

The Pope reiterated that he does physiotherapy twice a week, uses a walking stick and does as many steps as he can as he carries on.  

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Pope Francis is hospitalized for bronchitis and medical checks

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