The Pope has been admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, the Vatican has said.
After Friday’s daily audiences he was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican said in a short statement.
“Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis,” it said.
It wasn’t clear how long he would be there.
The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, but since then has continued his activities and audiences.
However, during his last two Wednesday general audiences at the Vatican, Pope Francis asked an aide to read his prepared remarks.
“Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still,” the Pope said on Wednesday. “I hope that next time I can.”
Police outside the Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope will be treated. Pic: Reuters
Before going to hospital on Friday, the Pope met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and the head of CNN Mark Thompson.
Francis had part of one lung removed as a young man and has long battled health problems – including long bouts of bronchitis in the winter.
He uses a wheelchair, walker or cane when moving around and recently fell twice, hurting his arm and chin.
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Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the largest in the city, has a special suite for treating popes.
Francis spent nine days there in June 2023, when he had surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.
