Pope Francis Spends First Night in Hospital, Continues Treatment/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis, 88, spent a quiet first night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being admitted for a respiratory tract infection. The Vatican reported that he slept well, had breakfast, and read newspapers while continuing his drug therapy. His hospitalization follows a weeklong struggle with bronchitis, raising concerns about his declining health. The Vatican has canceled his public appearances through Monday as he recovers.
Pope Francis Resting Comfortably in Hospital, Continues Treatment – Quick Look
- Stable Condition: The pope slept well and was alert Saturday morning.
- Ongoing Treatment: He continues drug therapy for a respiratory tract infection.
- Canceled Appearances: The Vatican has suspended all audiences through Monday.
- Recent Health Struggles: Diagnosed with bronchitis on Feb. 6, he continued working despite breathing difficulties.
- Previous Health Issues: Pope Francis had part of a lung removed, undergone two intestinal surgeries, and uses a wheelchair or walker.
- Hospital Stay: He is being treated at Gemelli Hospital’s private papal suite on the 10th floor.
- Risk Factors: His bronchitis could develop into pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
Deep Look: Pope Francis Resting in Hospital as Vatican Monitors His Health
Pope Francis spent a peaceful first night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being admitted for a respiratory tract infection, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pope, who has struggled with breathing issues in recent weeks, ate breakfast and read newspapers while continuing his medical treatment, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
Francis was hospitalized Friday after a weeklong battle with bronchitis worsened, leading to concerns about his declining health. This marks his fourth hospitalization since his election in 2013.
Recent Health Struggles & Symptoms
The pope had been diagnosed with bronchitis on Feb. 6 but continued his daily schedule at the Vatican, including presiding over an outdoor Mass and attending his general audience on Wednesday. However, he frequently delegated his speeches to aides, citing breathing difficulties.
He has a history of lung issues, having part of one lung removed as a young man. This makes him more vulnerable to respiratory infections, especially in winter.
Preliminary hospital tests showed that Francis had a respiratory tract infection and a slight fever, prompting doctors to admit him for observation and cancel all public engagements through Monday.
Past Health Complications
Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years:
- 2021: Underwent surgery to remove 13 inches (33 cm) of his large intestine due to a colon condition.
- 2023: Had another abdominal surgery to repair scar tissue and a hernia.
- Mobility Issues: Uses a wheelchair, walker, or cane due to ongoing leg pain.
- Recent Falls: He has fallen twice, injuring his arm and chin.
The Vatican has yet to confirm how long his current hospitalization will last.
Concerns About Pneumonia
Francis previously revealed that during his 2023 hospitalization, he was diagnosed with “acute and strong pneumonia” in the lower part of his lungs.
Medical experts warn that bronchitis can escalate into pneumonia, a more serious lung infection affecting the air sacs. Symptoms often include fever, difficulty breathing, and crackling lung sounds. Doctors typically diagnose pneumonia through chest X-rays and oxygen level tests.
Treatment options for severe pneumonia may involve:
- Oxygen therapy (via nasal tube or mask)
- Intravenous fluids
- Medication to target the infection
Hospital Stay & Next Steps
Francis is being treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where popes have a private suite on the 10th floor.
For now, Vatican officials remain optimistic about his recovery, but his age and medical history continue to raise concerns about his long-term health.
The world awaits updates on his condition as he rests and recovers in the coming days.
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