Pope Francis, 88, is currently hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis. Deemed “stable” for the moment, its clinical condition is closely monitored.
- Hospitalized since February 14, 2025 for a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, Pope Francis, 88, presents a “complex clinical picture” requiring an adaptation of his treatment.
- Although his condition is deemed stable, his hospitalization worries because of his medical history: partial ablation of a lung, intestinal and recurring bronchitis operations.
- Its progressive weakening raises the question of its future at the head of the church. The Vatican remains cautious, while the faithful pray for its recovery.
Hospitalized since Friday, February 14, Pope Francis, 88 years old, presents a “Complex clinical picture”according to the Vatican. Suffering from a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, its prolonged hospitalization arouses concern among those around him and the faithful of the whole world, although his condition is judged “stable”. Back on his health journey marked by many medical problems.
Hospitalization under surveillance
The Vatican quickly communicated on the state of Pope Francis, claiming on Monday evening that his treatment had been adjusted due to the nature of the infection. “The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today have demonstrated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract which has led to a new modification of the treatment”specifies the Vatican in its official press release. By definition, an infection “Polymicrobian” means that several pathogens were detected during the Argentinian pontiff exams. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See press service, nevertheless wanted to reassure the faithful: “He spent a quiet night” and was “In a good mood”.
Despite these rather encouraging news, the prolonged hospitalization of the sovereign pontiff alerts observers. Although it is treated well, bronchitis can indeed represent a real danger because of its advanced age. Especially since the Pope had already suffered from acute bronchitis in November 2023, which had forced him to give up his participation in Dubai COP 28.
Heavy medical history
The state of health of Pope Francis has been closely scrutinized since his election in 2013. His problems dated his young age: in 1957, at 21, when he decided to become a priest, he had to undergo partial ablation of ‘A lung following acute pneumonia. Since then, he has chained several hospitalizations and surgical interventions.
In 2023, he had undergone an operation for an intestinal occlusion due to diverticulitis. The following year, in 2024, it was a flu which had forced him to limit his public appearances – a recurring evil at home. A series of falls at his Sainte-Marthe residence had also raised questions about his mobility and general physical condition.
What future for the pontificate?
Faced with these health problems, the question of the future of Pope Francis arises. His predecessor, Benoît XVI, had given up his ministry in 2013 for health reasons, a gesture that remains in all memories. For the moment, the Vatican does not suggest such a scenario, but the repetition of hospitalizations and the progressive weakening of the Pope could reopen the debate.
