The leader of the world’s Roman Catholic Church has been hospitalized in Rome and forced to cancel all public activities through the weekend, according to news reports.
Pope Francis, 88, was active Friday morning, meeting with the prime minister of Slovakia and other dignitaries, according to the Associated Press.
However, he appeared in ill health and, according to CNN, was “struggling to speak for extended periods.”
Francis has suffered from bronchitis for the past week, according to the AP, and it was evident before his hospitalization.
“On Friday, he appeared bloated and pale during the handful of audiences he held before going to the hospital,” the AP reported. “The bloating appeared to indicate that the medication he was taking to help treat the lung infection was making him retain water.”
He showed similar symptoms at his general audience on Wednesday:
Despite bronchitis, Pope Francis held his General Audience, urging prayer and penance for peace. Unable to speak fully, he asked Fr. Giroli to read his catechesis, expressing hope to recover soon. Let us unite in prayer for Pope Francis’ health. pic.twitter.com/OJX7qTH8Dd
— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) February 12, 2025
Francis’ health has been a concern from virtually the