Pope Francis recently canceled his planned schedule for Friday, a move confirmed by the Vatican press office to reporters. The announcement noted a feverish condition that prevented him from appearing before the public as initially planned, with Matteo Bruni providing a brief statement and few details for privacy reasons.
Officials indicated that the pope did not attend his customary morning engagements, and media outlets were informed later that certain activities had been suspended. The development prompted questions about the Pope’s health, though authorities stressed there was no cause for alarm and that the situation was being monitored closely.
Earlier in the week, Francis took part in a public event in the afternoon, joining a gathering with Latin American mayors and other notable figures connected to a school foundation. The attendance underscored the Pope’s ongoing commitment to social and educational issues across the region.
In late March, the Pope was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for a diagnosed case of acute pneumonia. He explained during a return flight from Hungary that he began to feel unwell following a public engagement, lost his appetite, and slept for extended periods. When asked about the hospitalization, he said he did not lose consciousness but did experience a fever, and he cited a positive response to treatment as a sign of improvement.
Francis spoke with reporters on the plane after a few days in the hospital, noting that his return to a busy schedule would depend on his health status and energy levels. He emphasized the importance of rest when the body signals the need for it, even as he continued to press forward with responsibilities during Holy Week.
During the hospitalization, the Vatican described the Pope as experiencing discomfort linked to an infectious bronchitis. He received intravenous antibiotics, and officials reported noticeable improvement from the first day of admission. The medical update reassured supporters that the Pope’s condition was stabilizing and that recovery was progressing as expected.
This marked the second occasion on which Pope Francis has required hospital care at Gemelli. The first instance occurred on July 4, 2021, when he underwent colon surgery and stayed in the hospital for about ten days, an episode that was followed by a careful period of recuperation.
Since those episodes, the pontiff has faced ongoing issues with his right knee, which has necessitated the use of a cane or wheelchair in certain situations. The Pope has consistently conveyed a desire to remain active and confront daily duties while managing health challenges, underscoring the balance between public service and personal well being.