Pope Francis Hospitalized with Respiratory Illness

Vatican City, AP - March 6, 2024

Latest Update: 6:06 AM PDT

Pope Francis is recovering well in a Rome hospital after he was admitted with a respiratory condition, the Vatican announced Thursday.

The 86-year-old pontiff, who turns 87 next month, was diagnosed with bronchitis after he spent the night in a hospital in central Rome.

The pope has long suffered from sciatica, a chronic nerve condition that causes back, hip, and leg pain. He has also battled other health issues in recent years.

The Vatican did not say how long Francis is expected to remain in the hospital.