Pope Francis Hospitalized with Flu Complications

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, was rushed to a hospital in Rome this morning, grappling with the flu that has plagued him in recent days. The 87-year-old pontiff, who has recently been battling influenza, returned to the Vatican shortly after. His hospital visit follows a check-up he underwent on Wednesday.

The Pope’s health has been a growing concern, as he had to skip his scheduled reading at the weekly audience this Wednesday, handing over the responsibility to an aide. Additionally, he had cancelled several engagements on Saturday and Monday, attributing the cancellations to a “mild flu,” as stated by the Vatican.

Despite these health issues, Pope Francis made an appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to share his Angelus message with the faithful. “Dear brothers and sisters, I still have a bit of a cold,” he admitted during the audience, highlighting his ongoing struggle with the illness.

Although he had to delegate the main reading to another, he did manage to address the crowd briefly towards the end. His voice was hoarse, and he coughed a few times but continued to greet those present and speak on the importance of peace.

The Pope’s health has been under scrutiny in recent months. In December, he had to forgo a planned visit to a COP28 climate meeting in Dubai due to influenza and lung inflammation.

Then, in January, he had difficulty completing a speech because of “a touch of bronchitis.” Despite these setbacks, he noted that he was getting better, although not without “some aches and pains.”

Pope Francis’s medical history includes surgery in his youth in Argentina to remove part of a lung following a respiratory infection. More recently, in 2021, he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon due to intestinal inflammation.

Over the past year, mobility has also been an issue for the Pope. He has been seen using a wheelchair and walking stick due to strained knee ligaments and a minor knee fracture, which have hampered his ability to walk and stand comfortably. At his Wednesday audience, he arrived in a wheelchair, underscoring the ongoing challenges he faces with his physical health.

As Pope Francis navigates these health challenges, his commitment to his duties and his engagements with the faithful continue to inspire many around the world. This story is evolving, and further updates on the Pope’s health and activities are expected.