Pope Francis Experiences Calm First Night in Hospital

Pope Francis has spent a peaceful first night in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, according to reports from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since Friday due to persistent bronchitis, an infection affecting his respiratory system. His spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the pope had a restful night and even managed to have breakfast and read some newspapers this morning.

The pope's admission to the hospital comes after a week of visible health struggles, marked by instances of him losing his voice during public appearances. It was reported that his doctors had advised him to seek hospital treatment days prior, but he only agreed to it recently.

During his stay at the hospital, it remains uncertain how long Pope Francis will be required to remain under medical care. Initial reports suggest that his hospitalization could extend through the middle of next week, leading to the cancellation of all his engagements until at least Monday.

The pope's health has been a point of concern for several years, particularly during the winter months. Last year, he suffered from a severe case of pneumonia, which forced him to cancel multiple appointments and trips. Compounding these issues, he had previously undergone surgery to remove part of his right lung due to large cysts, making him more susceptible to respiratory infections. As a precautionary measure during the cold season, he has been receiving medical supervision and treatment with cortisone.

Pope Francis, who has been in office since March 2013, is the second oldest pope in history. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, resigned in 2013 and was 95 years old when he passed away in December 2022. The only pope to have lived longer than Francis was Pope Leo XIII, who died at the age of 93 in 1903.

Due to ongoing knee and hip issues, the pope has increasingly relied on a wheelchair for public appearances, as walking has become increasingly difficult for him.