Pope Francis, who will be admitted to a hospital in Rome for bronchitis, says Vatican

Pope Francis will be admitted to a hospital in Rome to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old will arrive at the Gemeli hospital after his morning audience on Friday, said in a short statement.

The Pope has symptoms of bronchitis for several days and delegates employees to read his prepared speeches at recent events.

“This morning, after its audience, Pope Francis will be admitted to the AGOSTINO GEMELLI polyclinic for the necessary diagnostic tests and continue hospital treatment for its continuing bronchitis,” the statement said.

On Wednesday, the Pope asked a priest to read some of his speech because of his difficulties with the disease.

“Let me ask the priest to continue to read because I still can’t, with my bronchitis. I hope the next time I can,” said the 88-year-old youth shortly after the speech began.

He had also requested assistants to read on his behalf of a liturgy on Sunday and last Wednesday the common audience.

He held meetings at his Vatican residence last week in an attempt to rest and recover.

The Pope was treated by bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023, spending three nights there.

In December of the same year, he was forced to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to another disease.

The Argentine Ponif has spent nearly 12 years as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He has suffered a number of health problems throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs at 21 years old.