ROME, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday morning for tests and ongoing treatment of bronchitis, as announced by the Vatican. This marks another health setback for the 88-year-old pontiff.
According to a statement released by the Vatican, "This morning, at the end of his audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue his treatment for bronchitis, which is still ongoing, in a hospital environment."
Elected as pope in 2013, Francis has faced health issues multiple times in the last two years. Earlier this month, he informed pilgrims of his struggle with a "strong cold."
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has maintained his busy schedule, conducting meetings at his Vatican residence. Before his hospitalization, he held meetings with various dignitaries, including Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, Cardinal Luis Tagle, a senior Vatican official, and Mark Thompson, the chairman and CEO of CNN news channel.
Reportedly, during one of the meetings, the Pope seemed to have difficulty speaking. Additionally, Francis recently suffered two falls at his Vatican residence, resulting in injuries.
Notably, Rome's Gemelli hospital, where the Pope is currently receiving treatment, is equipped with a designated suite for papal care. Francis had previously spent nine days at the hospital for surgery on an abdominal hernia.