Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome, Italy, during February 2025 to address a serious illness, prompting widespread concern regarding his health and well-being across the globe. On March 23, he made a brief yet significant public appearance after more than five weeks of absence. Given the pope’s extensive history of health challenges, including previous hospitalizations, his supporters and followers are eagerly awaiting updates regarding his current condition.
This recent hospitalization marks yet another instance in which Pope Francis has required medical attention. Many may recall that the Argentine pontiff has faced numerous health issues throughout his life, particularly related to his lungs, which have occasionally raised alarms among his supporters and the faithful.
In this article, Hollywood Life has meticulously compiled all available information regarding Pope Francis’ health status, his hospitalization in 2025, and the circumstances surrounding his discharge from the hospital.
Discover Pope Francis’ Age and Milestones
As of March 2025, Pope Francis is currently 88 years old, having been born on December 17, 1936. This notable age highlights his extensive life experience and the wisdom he brings to his role as the head of the Catholic Church.
Understand the Reasons Behind Pope Francis’ Hospitalization
Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome after experiencing a prolonged battle with bronchitis that lasted for several weeks. The Vatican officially confirmed this development in a statement reported by CNN, which noted, “This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital setting treatment for bronchitis that is still ongoing.”
Remarkably, just hours before his hospitalization, Pope Francis conducted audiences at the Vatican, indicating his commitment to his duties despite his illness. This recent health issue has raised significant concern among his supporters and members of the Vatican community.
On February 17, 2025, the Vatican provided a crucial update on Pope Francis’ health, revealing that he was struggling with a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract. Consequently, he was required to stay in the hospital for an “appropriate” amount of time. The treatment plan outlined by his medical team included adjustments to his medication regimen. Additionally, the Vatican mentioned that he had a quiet weekend, as medical professionals prescribed absolute rest to facilitate his recovery.
The following day, The Guardian reported that Pope Francis had developed double pneumonia after further diagnostic tests were performed at the hospital. The report indicated that a chest X-ray revealed “the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further pharmacological therapy.” According to WebMD, bilateral pneumonia affects both lungs of an individual, leading to inflammation and potential scarring in the lung tissues.
On February 23, 2025, the Vatican confirmed alarming blood test results that indicated kidney failure in Pope Francis, adding further complexity to his health situation.
On March 4, 2025, as reported by CNN, the Vatican announced that the pope was in stable condition after receiving oxygen due to two separate incidents of respiratory failure. Despite this stabilization, his condition remains “complex,” indicating that ongoing monitoring and care are still necessary.
Current Health Status of Pope Francis: A Positive Update
On March 23, Pope Francis was successfully discharged from the hospital after waving to a crowd from his window at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a moment that brought joy to many. He appeared on the balcony in a wheelchair, which he has been using for several years, symbolizing both his resilience and continued commitment to his role.
After his discharge, the pope was seen waving from the back seat of a car as a convoy left the hospital. En route back to the Vatican, he made a notable stop at the Papal Basilica in central Rome to pray before continuing to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. This visit underscored his spiritual dedication despite recent health challenges.
Following his discharge, the Vatican released a heartfelt message prepared by Pope Francis, expressing, “During this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, reflected in the tireless care of doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick.” He also addressed global conflicts, welcoming a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while expressing sorrow over “the resumption of heavy Israeli bombing on the Gaza Strip, with so many dead and wounded.”
According to the head of his medical team, Pope Francis will require an additional two months of rest upon returning to the Vatican. His doctors emphasized that he will need “a lot of time” for his body to fully recover and regain strength.
Examining Pope Francis’ Health History and Challenges
Pope Francis became pope on March 13, 2013, and it was during that time that it was revealed he had endured a severe respiratory infection in his early 20s, which ultimately led to the surgical removal of part of one of his lungs.
Since 2021, health setbacks for Pope Francis have fueled speculation regarding his potential resignation, a notion he has firmly denied. During that period, he underwent intestinal surgery to remove a portion of his colon while managing diverticulitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon. According to Reuters, he dispelled the resignation rumors in an interview with the Spanish radio network COPE, asserting that it “didn’t even cross [his] his mind” to step down from the papacy.
By 2022, however, concerns resurfaced as Pope Francis faced a knee condition that hindered his ability to perform some duties. Consequently, he has been utilizing a wheelchair and cane ever since, demonstrating his adaptability in the face of health challenges.
The following year, Pope Francis was hospitalized again for bronchitis. He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass about a week later, showcasing his determination. His hospitalization in 2025 marks the second known occasion requiring medical attention for bronchitis, highlighting the ongoing nature of his health struggles.
As reported by CNN, the Argentine leader has faced various lung issues throughout his life. He has previously battled a severe episode of pneumonia, which serves as a reminder of the fragility of his health.
