Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized in Rome on Friday with bronchitis, according to the Vatican. The news has sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation about his health, with some reports even suggesting that he had died.
The Vatican has been tight-lipped about the pope’s condition, releasing only sporadic updates that have left many feeling skeptical. “Self-feeding rumors that start coming out like that in an uncontrolled way,” said Fabio Marchese Ragona, a Vatican correspondent. The Vatican’s past record of secrecy when it comes to a pope’s health has earned a thick cloud of skepticism.
Doctors at the Policlinico A. Gemelli hospital where Francis is being treated have also been tight-lipped about his condition. “It’s easier to get into the Kremlin than the 10th floor,” said Dr. Diego Maria Nati, Red Cross chief medical officer for the Lazio region. The Vatican has refused to comment on the rumors, leaving many to wonder what is really going on.
The Vatican’s secrecy around Francis’ health is not new. In 2021, he was hospitalized for a scheduled surgery without warning, raising suspicions at the time. However, in recent years, Pope Francis has become more open about his health issues, including his chronic knee and sciatica problems.
Despite the rumors and speculation, defenders of the Vatican argue that much has changed since Francis’ predecessors. The Vatican now releases regular updates on Francis’ condition, including when he misses a meeting or audience due to illness. However, even with this increased transparency, some are skeptical that the truth will ever be fully known.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/world/europe/pope-francis-health.html