Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome to undergo tests, the Vatican press office announced on February 14, 2025. The 88-year-old pontiff has been suffering from bronchitis for the past 10 days. His weekend appointments have been canceled, as has his visit next Monday to the Cinecittà film studios.
“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic to undergo the necessary diagnostic tests and continue his treatment for bronchitis in a hospital environment,” said the Holy See Press Office. When questioned by I.MEDIA, the director Matteo Bruni had no further comment for the time being.
This morning, the head of the Catholic Church still honored five official appointments from his residence at Casa Santa Marta before going to the hospital in northwestern Rome. For example, he spent 30 minutes with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and read a short speech to members of the 'Gaudium et Spes' Foundation.
For several days now, the Pope has not been keeping his appointments at the Apostolic Palace but at his residence.
Last Sunday, during a Mass in St. Peter's Square, the Pope apologized to the crowd for “breathing difficulties” related to his bronchitis. On Wednesday for the general audience, Pope Francis entrusted the reading of his catechesis to an assistant, though he did appear smiling and active during the audience.
With a notably hoarse voice, the Pope introduced the theme of his catechesis to the faithful: the birth of Jesus. “And now I would like to ask [...] a reader to continue reading, because with my bronchitis, I still can't,” he said.
“I hope that next time I will be able to [read],” added Francis, as encouraging applause rang out from the crowd.
Not the first time
In March 2023, Pope Francis was hospitalized with infectious bronchitis. “They told me it was caught in time, and that if we had waited a few more hours, it would have been more serious,” he said a few weeks later on Mexican television.
The Holy Father's respiratory strength is particularly delicate since in 1957, when he was in his early 20s, he had a severe respiratory infection that led to the removal of part of one lung. He would later say that a nurse saved his life on that occasion.
In addition to his vulnerability to respiratory infections, the Pope has suffered two falls in recent weeks.
Tomorrow, the Pope was due to hold a Jubilee audience in Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. He was also due to preside over the Jubilee Mass for artists on Sunday morning. Also as part of the Jubilee, the Pope was due to visit the Cinecittà film studios next Monday.
Prayer for the Pope
Almighty and Eternal God,
You are the everlasting health of
those who believe in you.
Hear our prayers for your sick servant Pope Francis,
for whom we implore the aid of your tender mercy.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Lord, the one you love is ill.
