Pope Francis was admitted to hospital in Rome on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said, the latest in a series of health problems for the 88-year-old pontiff, reports BSS.
Francis, who has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, was admitted following his morning audiences, the Vatican said.
He was hospitalised at Rome's Gemelli hospital for "some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting", according to the Vatican.
The Argentine pontiff, who took over as head of the Catholic Church in 2013, will be staying in a suite used exclusively by popes, which has its own chapel.
The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has been suffering with breathing difficulties for over a week, asking aides several times to read his speeches aloud on his behalf.
At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, a breathless Francis said he "cannot yet" read his own speeches, adding with a smile: "I hope that next time I can."
He also held meetings at home on February 6 and 7 in an attempt to rest and recover.
Francis was admitted to hospital for three nights in March 2023 with bronchitis, which was cured with antibiotics.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
