Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday for treatment of bronchitis, the Holy See Press Office confirmed.
The Vatican reported that Pope Francis had struggled with breathing difficulties over the past several days, leading him to delegate the reading of his speeches at public events. He had also been holding meetings from his residence.
After undergoing diagnostic tests, doctors diagnosed the Pope with a respiratory infection, and initial reports described his condition as stable with a slight fever. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that the Pope remains “serene and in good spirits.”
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) responded to the news, calling for prayers for the Holy Father. “We join in prayer for the Holy Father during his hospitalization,” the bishops wrote in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The USCCB also shared an official “Prayer for Pope Francis,” asking for his healing and strength, reproduced below:
“O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.”
The Vatican has not yet at this point provided a specific timeline for discharge while they continue to monitor his condition closely.
Please, pray for the good health of Pope Francis and his intentions!
🙏
Editorial credit: Riccardo De Luca - Update / Shutterstock.com
