Pope Francis has been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Clinic for further treatment of chronic bronchitis, the Vatican Press Office confirmed on Friday, as cited by Interfax.
The 87-year-old pontiff had been suffering from bronchitis since last month, and his condition has now become chronic, requiring additional medical attention.
Due to his hospitalization, Pope Francis was forced to cancel scheduled meetings with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and CNN CEO Mark Thompson. Despite his health struggles, the Pope continued to fulfill his duties, including presiding over a Mass last Sunday marking the anniversary of the Italian army.
According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, his condition worsened after the ceremony, leading to his hospitalization.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis is the second-longest-serving pontiff in history after Pope Leo XIII, who passed away at age 93 in 1903.
The Vatican has not yet provided further updates on his expected hospital stay or whether it will affect upcoming public appearances.
