The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has been admitted to a hospital in Rome for tests and treatment for ongoing bronchitis.
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The 88-year-old, who has been breathless in recent days after being diagnosed last Thursday and has delegated officials to read his speeches, was admitted following his morning audiences, it said.
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The Pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has long battled health problems, especially long bouts of acute bronchitis in winter.
Earlier this month, Francis told pilgrims at a weekly audience that he was suffering from a ‘strong cold,’ which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.
Ever since his diagnosis, Francis has appeared bloated, an indication the medication he was taking to treat the lung infection was making him retain water.
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He has been admitted to the hospital on a number of occasions in recent years, undergoing surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.
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