Pope Francis spent the night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital as he continues treatment for pneumonia in both lungs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted for medical care, had a quiet night and was able to have breakfast, according to a Vatican statement. However, no further details on his condition were provided.
Due to his hospitalization, the Vatican announced that Francis would not attend this weekend’s events for deacons and has delegated a subordinate to celebrate mass on his behalf.
This marks the pope’s fourth hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital. He previously underwent colon surgery in 2021, received treatment for a respiratory infection in 2023, and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.
Concerns over the pope’s health have raised questions about the future of his papacy. Francis has previously stated that he would consider stepping down if his health prevents him from fulfilling his duties, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 and passed away in 2022.
