(NewsNation) — Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday to continue treatment for bronchitis and undergo tests, the Vatican said.
The 88-year-old pontiff is being treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was last admitted in June 2023 to have surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in the abdominal wall.
The Vatican said Francis was admitted after his Friday audiences, in which he met with CNN chief Mark Thompson, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and Vatican officials.
No details were given about the duration of Francis’ hospitalization, but the Vatican canceled his events through Monday, including Francis’ participation in Holy Year events.
Since being diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, Francis has continued his activities and audiences indoors at Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where he lives. He attended his general audience on Wednesday and presided at an outdoor Mass on Sunday. He had handed off his speeches for an aide to read aloud, saying he was having trouble breathing.
On Friday, he reportedly appeared bloated and pale during the handful of audiences he held before going to the hospital. The bloating appeared to indicate the medication he was taking to treat the lung infection was making him retain water.
Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has long battled health problems, including bouts of bronchitis. He uses a walker or cane when moving around his apartment and recently fell twice, hurting his arm and chin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.