Pope in hospital with bronchitis

Agostino Gemelli Hospital

Source: Vatican Media

The Holy See Press Office announced this evening that Pope Francis has been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital for treatment for a chest infection.

An official Vatican statement says: "Following the worsening of his bronchitis in recent days, Pope Francis has undergone specialist examinations and begun hospital pharmacological treatment."

It specified that "initial tests indicate a respiratory tract infection. His clinical condition is stable, with a slight fever."

In conversation with journalists, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said: "The Pope is calm, he is in good spirits, and has read some newspapers."

He explained: "The Jubilee Audience scheduled for tomorrow, February 15, has been cancelled. The Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, set to take place on Sunday, February 16, will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education".

"Furthermore, the meeting with artists, originally planned for Monday at Cinecittà, will not take place due to the Pope's inability to attend."

The Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital following his morning audiences on Friday, 14 February, explaining that the Pope was scheduled to undergo several diagnostic tests and continue treatment for his ongoing bout of bronchitis.

The Holy Father has been suffering from bronchitis for several days, as he has noted during a couple of public audiences.

He has asked his collaborators to read his prepared remarks at the last two Wednesday General Audiences, among other events.

On February 6, the Holy See Press Office released a statement noting that the Pope was suffering from bronchitis and would hold his audiences at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.