Pope Francis will be admitted to a hospital in Rome to undergo treatment and bronchitis tests, Vatican said.
The 88-year-old will arrive at Gemelli Hospital after the morning audience on Friday, according to a short statement.
The Pope had symptoms of bronchitis for several days and delegated officials to read his prepared speeches at recent events.
“This morning, after his audience, Pope Francis will be admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyklinic for the necessary diagnostic tests and continued hospital treatment for your liquid bronchitis,” read the statement.
The Pope on Wednesday asked the priest to read a part of his speech because of his difficulty with illness.
“Let me ask the priest to continue reading, because I can’t yet, with my bronchitis. I hope I can do next time,” the 88-year-old said shortly after he started his speech.
He also asked assistants to read on his behalf at Mass on Sunday and at the General audience last Wednesday.
He held meetings at his residence of the Vatican last week in an attempt to rest and recover.
The pope was treated with bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023, spent three nights there.
In December of the same year, he was forced to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates at the Cop28 climate conference due to another fight against illness.
