Vatican City, Rome — Vatican church leader Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis.
Vatican confirmed that the Pope was sent to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, following difficulty in breathing as he struggled with bronchitis in the recent weeks.
“This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing,” the Vatican said.
Aside from breathlessness, the Pope was noted having difficulty in speaking, as to why he had aides to read his speeches and addresses.
During his hospital admission, the pontiff will be undergoing related tests and treatments for his bronchitis.
Francis, who had been appointed as the Pope of the Vatican church in 2013, had a long history of lung-related issues.
He had struggled with pneumonia during his childhood and had part of one of his lungs removed. since then, he had been prone to lung infections.
The 88-year old pope had several meetings on Friday before he went to the hospital.
He will be skipping scheduled events for the next three days to focus on treatment and recovery.