Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, the Vatican announced Friday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has struggled with breathing issues for days, was taken in after his morning meetings for further tests and treatment.

Francis has been noticeably breathless lately, often delegating others to read his speeches. His condition has raised concerns, especially given his history of lung problems. He has been placed in a special suite reserved for popes, complete with its own chapel, as he undergoes treatment.

Pope Francis Struggles With Breathing Issues

The Argentine pope, who has been the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, has been battling persistent breathing difficulties. Having lost part of one lung in his youth, respiratory problems have remained a concern throughout his life.

Pope / IG / At his weekly audience on Wednesday, the ailing pontiff struggled to speak, admitting with a smile that he “cannot yet” read aloud.

His aides have stepped in to deliver his speeches as he continues to battle his health issues. To aid recovery, he even held meetings at home earlier this week instead of his usual packed schedule.

Hospital Stay and Medical Concerns

This is not the first time Pope Francis has been hospitalized for bronchitis. Last March, he spent three nights in the hospital for the same condition and recovered after a course of antibiotics. A similar illness forced him to cancel a major trip to Dubai in December, where he was supposed to attend the COP28 climate summit.

Aside from bronchitis, Pope Francis has faced a series of health setbacks. He underwent surgery for an inflamed colon, had a hernia operation, and has been dealing with chronic knee pain. Since 2022, he has relied on a wheelchair and cane, making public appearances more challenging.

Frequent Falls and Nonstop Work Schedule

Despite his ailments, Pope Francis rarely slows down. His relentless schedule includes back-to-back meetings, extensive travel, and daily duties. Just last September, he completed an extensive four-nation tour, the longest of his papacy.

The pope has also had a series of physical mishaps. In January, he bruised his forearm after a fall, and in December, he suffered a noticeable bruise on his face from toppling out of bed. Even so, he continues to push forward, maintaining his rigorous commitments.

Will Pope Francis Resign?

Every time the pope’s health falters, speculation about his potential resignation surfaces. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, stepped down in 2013 due to health concerns, leading many to wonder if Francis would do the same.

Pope / IG / Francis has acknowledged the possibility of resigning but insists that, for now, he is staying put.

In a memoir published last year, he wrote that there was no “serious cause” for resignation. The Argentine pontiff said that stepping down would only be an option in the event of “a serious physical impediment.”

For now, Pope Francis remains under hospital care, receiving treatment for bronchitis. The Vatican has not given a discharge date as we speak. But they have assured the public that he is being monitored closely.

His resilience has been tested repeatedly, yet he continues to push through his health challenges. Whether he will take more time to rest or return to his demanding schedule remains to be seen. For now, the world watches and prays for the pontiff’s recovery.