Pope Francis Hospitalized: A Reflection on His Health and Duties
Pope Francis has canceled all scheduled events for the coming days following his hospitalization, as announced by the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff has been grappling with bronchitis and was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Friday after experiencing breathing difficulties during one of his meetings.
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis is undergoing necessary diagnostic tests and continuing his treatment for ongoing bronchitis issues. Consequently, he will not attend his scheduled audience on Saturday, and Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça will deliver Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica on Sunday instead. A planned visit to the Cinecittà film studios on Monday has also been scrapped.
Despite these health challenges, reports indicate that the pope remained mentally alert during his last meetings on Friday, including one with Mark Thompson, the CEO of CNN. However, he faced difficulties in speaking for extended periods due to his respiratory issues.
Pope Francis has been plagued by health complications in recent years. He had previously been hospitalized in March 2023 with acute bronchitis, and after being discharged, he famously remarked, "I am still alive." He returned to Gemelli for health checks in June and was readmitted in February 2024 due to a minor cold. Earlier in his life, Francis had a portion of his lung removed while training to be a priest in Argentina.
His medical history includes significant surgeries, including a colon operation in June 2021. In addition, he often uses a wheelchair or walking stick due to chronic pain from sciatic nerve issues and a knee condition. Recent incidents have also included a fall that resulted in an arm injury and another stumble caused by a broken walking stick.
The pope's increased schedule due to this year's Catholic Jubilee has led him to contemplate the possibility of resigning if his health deteriorates further. In a poignant revelation, he shared in 2023 that he had chosen his burial place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, moving away from the time-honored tradition of burial in the grottos beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
As Pope Francis navigates these health-related hurdles, the global Catholic community watches closely, hoping for his swift recovery while reflecting on the significant impact he has made during his papacy.
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