Italy Vatican: Pope spends quiet first night in hospital
Pope Francis has spent a first night in hospital without complications, according to the Vatican. "Pope Francis had a peaceful night and slept well," said his spokesman Matteo Bruni. "This morning he had breakfast and read some newspapers."
15.02.2025, 12:38
SDA
The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome since Friday afternoon. According to the Vatican, he is suffering from persistent bronchitis, an infection of the respiratory tract. An initial examination revealed a "slight fever". At the age of 88, the Argentinian-born Pope is now the second oldest Pope in history.
Reports: Doctors had been recommending hospital for days
It had been clear for more than a week that Francis' health was taking a toll on him. His voice broke several times during public appointments. He hardly ever left his residence in the Vatican. According to Italian press reports, doctors advised him to go to hospital last week. Only now, however, has Francis been persuaded.
It remains to be seen how long the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide will have to stay in hospital. The Italian news agency Ansa reported, citing sources close to him, that his stay could last until the middle of next week. All appointments up to and including Monday have been canceled.
Now almost always in a wheelchair
The pontiff has been suffering from respiratory problems during the winter months for several years now. Last winter, he said he had severe pneumonia. He has also had to cancel several appointments and trips.
To make matters worse, Francis had the upper part of his right lung removed at a young age due to large cysts. To prevent infections from spreading, he is treated with cortisone under medical supervision during the cold season.
In office for almost twelve years
Due to problems with his knees and hips, Francis now spends most of his public appearances in a wheelchair. Walking independently causes him great difficulties.
As the successor to Benedict XVI, Francis has been in office since March 2013. According to Vatican records, only Pope Leo XIII lived even longer: the Italian died in 1903 at the age of 93. Francis' German predecessor, whose real name was Joseph Ratzinger, lived to be 95, but had already stepped down nine years before his death on New Year's Eve 2022.
