This article will be updated as news is announced.
Pope’s Respiratory Infection Identified as Bronchitis
March 30, 2023, 3:30pm ET
The Pope remains hospitalized through Thursday as he is treated for bronchitis, BBC News reports.
According to the BBC, the Vatican identified the previously undisclosed respiratory infection as bronchitis and says the 86-year-old has seen a “marked improvement in his health.”
After being admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome the Pope was diagnosed with bronchitis and given an antibiotic infusion, BBC News reports.
“Based on the expected progress [of his health], the Holy Father could be discharged in the coming days,” the Vatican statement said, quoting his medical team.
via BBC News
The pope spent the afternoon “devoting himself to rest, prayer and some work”.
Pope Francis' doctors said Thursday evening that he is suffering from bronchitis, and is receiving a course of intravenous antibiotics which has improved his condition.https://t.co/vX9BE4nNs0 pic.twitter.com/1TvormigMG
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 30, 2023
Pope’s Condition Improving, Remains Hospitalized
March 30, 2023, 11:40am ET
Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome on Thursday for an undisclosed, non-COVID-19 respiratory infection, multiple media outlets report.
According to ABC News, the 86-year-old pontiff’s condition “progressively improved.”
“The clinical picture is progressively improving, and the planned treatments continue,” Bruni said, according to a translation. “This morning after having breakfast, he read some newspapers and went back to work. Before lunch he went to the little chapel of the private apartment, where he gathered in prayer and received the Eucharist.”
via ABC News
A Vatican official did not give an estimated time for the Pope to be discharged and he was expected to spend a “few days” there.
I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 30, 2023
Pope Francis Hospitalized with Respiratory Infection
March 29, 2023, 3:35pm ET
Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome on Wednesday with an undisclosed, non-COVID-19 respiratory infection, according to multiple media reports including BBC News.
The 86-year-old pontiff experienced breathing problems in recent days and will now receive “a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy,” the BBC reports.
Vatican News reports that Pope Francis is undergoing medical check-ups in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and “he says he is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayers reaching him.”
According to BBC News, the Pope presided over his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday and “appeared in good spirits but was seen grimacing as he was helped into his vehicle.”
The news comes just four days before he is scheduled to preside over Palm Sunday Mass, as well as Holy Week and Easter celebrations next week.