Pope Francis was hospitalized for tests and to continue treatment for his ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican said in a statement.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

"The Holy Father, as a result of the recent exacerbation of bronchitis, has carried out specialized examinations and started a hospital drug therapy," according to a Holy See Press Office statement, as repoted by Catholic News Agency.

"The first examinations performed show a respiratory tract infection. The clinical condition is fair; he presents mild febrile alteration," it added.

Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday morning, February 14, following meetings with a number of people, including the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico.

Because of his hospitalization, his appointments for the following three days were canceled.
This includes a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, part of the Church’s wider 2025 Jubilee of Hope.

The Vatican said Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, will celebrate the Mass.

Francis has suffered from influenza, a knee injury, and other health problems. #