Pope Francis to be admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment after admitting he ‘can’t read’

The Pope is to be admitted to hospital for tests and treatment for ongoing his bronchitis, after he admitted that he “can’t read”.

After Friday’s daily audience he will be taken to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican said.

A statement from the Vatican said: “This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis.”

Two days ago during his weekly general audience, Pope Francis paused and said: “Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still.”

“I hope that next time I can,” he said, before an aide continued the reading for him.

The Pope was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, but since then has continued his activities and audiences.

He was treated for the condition at Gemelli Polyclinic in March 2023, spending three nights there.

In the past two years, his health has begun to take a turn for the worse, suffering with bouts of influenza and other health complications.

Francis, who became Pope in 2013, has been admitted to hospital on a number of occasions in recent years.

In 2021 he underwent surgery to address a painful condition called diverticulitis and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

Earlier this month, Francis told a weekly audience that he was suffering from a “strong cold”, which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.

He often uses a walker or cane when moving around due to his bad knees. He is also sometimes pushed in a wheelchair in public.

Last month, he fell over at his home in Santa Manta, injuring his right arm.

More to follow…