ROME — Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital for the fourth time since taking office in 2013, following a diagnosis of bronchitis last week. The pontiff, who had a portion of one lung removed during his youth, is prone to recurring cases of bronchitis, particularly during winter months.
On Friday evening, the Vatican released a bulletin indicating that initial tests revealed the pope was experiencing a respiratory tract infection, accompanied by a mild fever. He is currently in “fair” condition at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he is undergoing treatment.
At 88 years old, the pope faces various health challenges beyond bronchitis. He had part of his large intestine surgically removed in 2021 and relies on a wheelchair, cane, or walker due to ligament issues in his knees. Additionally, he suffers from sciatica pain.
Bronchitis typically arises from respiratory viruses, which can range from minor colds to more serious conditions like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This illness occurs when the air passages to the lungs become inflamed, leading to mucus accumulation, which the individual tries to expel by coughing.
As people age, their immune systems weaken, making older adults particularly susceptible to respiratory infections and their complications, including bronchitis. Earlier this month, Pope Francis mentioned having a cold and has a history of repeated bronchitis episodes.
When bronchitis symptoms escalate—manifesting as chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath—it is crucial to seek medical attention. Treatment options may feature bronchodilators to facilitate breathing and anti-inflammatory medications like steroids to reduce swelling and promote mucus drainage. Doctors may also prescribe antiviral drugs for viral infections or antibiotics for bacterial cases.
In some instances, bronchitis can progress to pneumonia, which poses a significant risk as it affects the lungs more severely. The pope reported experiencing pneumonia in 2023. Treatments vary based on severity and can include delivering oxygen through a nasal tube or mask, intravenous fluids, and addressing the primary infection.
A summary of Pope Francis’s medical history includes:
– In 1957, while in Argentina and in his early twenties, he endured a severe respiratory infection that resulted in the surgical removal of part of one lung. The pontiff has credited a nurse’s quick decision to increase his medication dosage with saving his life.
– From July 4 to July 14, 2021, he was hospitalized at Gemelli for ten days to address a narrowing of the large intestine, during which 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon were removed. Upon his release, he expressed a desire to eat whatever he wanted, although he noted he did not cope well with general anesthesia.
– On January 24, 2023, the pope disclosed that the diverticulosis that led to his 2021 surgery had returned but was manageable.
– Between March 29 and April 1, 2023, Francis spent three days at the Gemelli hospital dealing with a respiratory infection after experiencing sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, though he later clarified that it was acute pneumonia.
– On June 6, 2023, he underwent routine medical examinations at Gemelli, returning to the Vatican shortly after.
– From June 7 to June 16, 2023, he had surgery to remove scar tissue and mend an abdominal hernia, being discharged nine days later. His surgeon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, revealed that the scarring was a combination of the 2021 surgery and prior intestinal operations.
– On February 14, 2025, the pope returned to Gemelli for bronchitis treatment and additional diagnostic evaluations. This hospitalization followed a cold he reported on February 5, which was later identified as bronchitis the day after. During an outdoor Mass on February 9, he struggled with breathing and had an aide finish his homily. He also delegated his catechism lesson on February 12 to an aide, expressing hope to read it himself in the future.
