Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome

Pope Francis has been admitted to a hospital in Rome for evaluation and treatment of ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican confirmed on Friday.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has experienced breathlessness in recent days, sought medical attention after his morning audiences.

According to the Vatican, the pope was hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital for "some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting."

His health issues have led him to delegate his speeches to officials, asking them to read on his behalf.

The pope has a history of respiratory problems, having undergone lung surgery in his youth. He has been struggling with breathing difficulties for over a week, prompting this latest hospitalization.

In March 2023, Pope Francis spent three nights in the hospital for bronchitis, which was subsequently treated with antibiotics.

Just last December, he had to cancel a planned visit to Dubai for the United Nations COP28 climate change conference due to another episode of bronchitis.

In recent years, the Argentine pontiff has faced various health challenges, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and surgery for a hernia.