VATICAN CITY: World Roman Catholic Head, Pope Francis is going to a hospital in Rome for medical tests and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican has announced. The 88-year-old Pontiff will go to Gemelli Hospital after his morning meetings today, February 14, 2025.
The Pope has been feeling unwell for several days. Because of this, he asked others to read his speeches at recent events.
This morning, Pope Francis, after his meetings, will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary health tests and treatment for his bronchitis, the Vatican said in its statement.
On Wednesday, he asked a priest to read part of his speech because his voice was weak. "Let me rerquest the priest to carry on reading because I still cannot do it due to my bronchitis. I hope I can next time," he said.
Last Sunday and at a general audience last Wednesday, he also asked his aides to read for him. To rest and recover, he held meetings at his Vatican home last week.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has been treated for bronchitis at Gemelli Hospital. He was admitted there for three days in March 2023. In December that year, he had to cancel a trip to the UAE for the COP28 climate summit because he was sick.
Pope Francis has faced many health issues in his life. When he was 21, doctors removed part of his lung. He also has diverticulitis, a condition that affects the colon. In 2021, he had surgery to remove part of it. Last month, he fell and hurt his arm.
Despite his health problems, Pope Francis stays very active. Last year, he traveled about 20,000 miles on a long trip to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
Notably, Pope Francis has been the leader of over 14,000 lakh Catholics globally since 2013. The Pontiff has suffered from other health problems associated with influenza, many a time since the past two years.
Notably, Pope Francis has been the leader of over 14, 000 lakh Catholics globally since 2013. The Pontiff has suffered from other health problems associated with influenza, many a time since the past two years.
A few months before, he spent 3 days in the hospital to get intravenous antibiotics for a respiratory infection.
Recently, it was announced that he will meet King Charles III in April.