ROME – Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome Friday for bronchitis treatment, the Vatican confirmed. He was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli hospital for tests and continued care.
The hospitalization follows the Pope’s announcement earlier this month that he had a “strong cold,” later identified as bronchitis.
Before his admission, Pope Francis maintained his schedule. Friday morning, he met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Cardinal Luis Tagle, and CNN CEO Mark Thompson. The Vatican later stated that hospital treatment was necessary for his bronchitis.
Pope Francis has experienced several health issues in the past two years, including influenza. He also had two recent falls, injuring his chin and arm.
The Gemelli hospital has a dedicated suite for treating Popes. Pope Francis was previously treated there in June 2023 for nine days following abdominal hernia surgery. The vatican has released no further statements.
