Concerns Grow as Pope Francis's Health Deteriorates

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital, often referred to as “Vatican III,” for treatment of bronchitis. This marks the fourth visit for the pontiff since 2021, with his most recent admission occurring on February 17, 2025. The hospital, favored by popes, was nicknamed by Pope John Paul II, who spent considerable time there during his papacy. John Paul II underwent extensive treatment at Gemelli, making nine visits and spending 153 days overall. He humorously designated St Peter’s Square as “Vatican number one” and Castel Gandolfo as “number two.” The hospital has a unique history with the papacy, as it had to establish a mini-residence on-site due to the prolonged stays of popes. Pope Benedict XVI, Francis's predecessor, never received treatment there. According to reports, Francis's current treatment aligns with his medical history, which includes hernia surgery in June 2023 and previous respiratory issues. The Pope's hospitalization at Gemelli highlights its longstanding association with papal care.

Pope Francis, aged 88, is grappling with a severe health scare that has led him to seek treatment for a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, reported by Politico. The pontiff is currently hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has experienced intense pain, prompting officials to intervene when he initially resisted treatment. Since falling ill, the Pope has canceled several public appearances and engagements, including his weekly Angelus sermon. According to sources, he is reportedly rushing to finalize affairs amid concerns about his health and the potential for a papal succession. As a precaution, he has extended the term of Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as the dean of the College of Cardinals, allowing Re to prepare for a future conclave. While the Vatican assures that the Pope's condition is stable and he does not have a fever, officials have been discreet about the gravity of his health crisis, dismissing certain media reports as exaggerated. A Vatican official acknowledged the inevitability of death but stressed that Francis may not be facing an immediate crisis.

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to a "polymicrobial respiratory tract infection," according to spokesman Matteo Bruni. The Vatican announced that the pontiff’s test results indicate a "complex clinical picture," necessitating an extended hospital stay, although no specific timeline has been provided. Bruni reported that Pope Francis is in "good spirits," having eaten breakfast and read the newspapers while continuing to make phone calls to parish members in Gaza from his hospital bed. Previously suffering from bronchitis for over a week, the pontiff had insisted on completing his Friday morning audiences before seeking medical attention. The pope's health has raised concerns, as he struggled with shortness of breath in the days leading up to his hospitalization. His next public engagements include a scheduled weekly audience on Wednesday and the ordination of deacons on Sunday, both of which are under review due to his current condition. This is not the first health scare for the pope; he was previously hospitalized for pneumonia in 2023 and underwent surgery for an abdominal hernia the same year.