Pope Francis Hospitalized With Bronchitis Infection

Facts

• The Vatican said on Thursday that Pope Francis' health is improving, after he was taken to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday following his weekly General Audience in St. Peter's Square with complaints of breathing difficulties.¹
• The pope had been diagnosed with infectious bronchitis, a highly contagious respiratory disease requiring treatment of an intravenous infusion of antibiotics.²
• Indicating that Francis was recovering, the Vatican confirmed that he had visited the small chapel within his private hospital suite, 'where he gathered in prayer and received the Eucharist.'³
• Tests carried out to assess Pope Francis's condition have ruled out COVID, heart problems, and pneumonia, and the pontiff is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the next few days.⁴
• It wasn't immediately clear whether the pope will be able to fulfill current plans related to the Holy Week observances, including Palm Sunday this weekend, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday on April 9.⁵
• The 86-year-old has a long history of health problems, including a lung operation at 21, knee, sciatica, and flat foot issues that have forced him to use a wheelchair, and surgery in July 2021 to address diverticulitis.⁶

Sources: ¹CNN, ²Reuters, ³NBC, ⁴Guardian, ⁵The telegraph and ⁶France 24.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Pillarcatholic. Given the precedent of papal retirement established by Benedict XVI — who faced his own health problems — it is feasible that Pope Francis could step down from his role due to these ongoing challenges. Though the Holy Father has so far denied any intention to follow the path of his predecessor, he has alluded to the fact that he's signed a letter which could trigger his medical resignation.
• Narrative B, as provided by Washington Post. Pope Francis's physical health has undoubtedly suffered with age, but he has demonstrated that he remains mentally fit to lead the Catholic Church. Under his moral guidance, the Holy See has pushed for greater liturgical uniformity and better representation among its high-ranked officials, all while fighting corruption. This mission of reform is not something Pope Francis should ever voluntary step away from.

Predictions