Pope cites bronchitis while skipping a speech to an audience

Pope Francis on Friday opted not to read a prepared speech in which he complained of a “touch of bronchitis,” instead delivering his comments in print to a delegation of French religious communications experts gathered in the Vatican, adding a few improvised words.

It is the second time in recent months that Francis, 87, has shown signs of illness during one of his regular audiences. In November, he reported a mild cold and made written – not oral – comments to a delegation of European rabbis.

His health has concerned spectators and the faithful in recent years, as he has been hospitalized in Rome three times, including once for bronchitis last March.

A video released by the Vatican on Friday shows Francis slowly walking into an ornate Vatican room using a cane he often uses and taking a seat.

“I would like to read the whole speech, but I have a problem,” Francis said with a smile, breathing heavily. “I suffer from bronchitis and cannot speak properly.”

As Vatican officials distributed printouts of the pope's speech to participants, he added some short off-the-cuff remarks and led a prayer and blessing.

Before meeting the French delegation on Friday, Francis spoke to a group of young professionals and representatives of a Catholic institution that promotes relations between the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches.

Despite the bronchitis, Francis, who is missing part of one lung and has suffered from knee problems and sciatica in recent years, appeared cheerful on Friday.

Still, his health has become an increasing concern since he underwent major surgery in 2021 to remove about a foot of his colon after inflammation caused a narrowing of his colon. Last March, he spent a few days at the Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital in Rome to treat bronchitis. A few months later, in June, he underwent another operation to remove intestinal blockages caused by previous surgeries. He spent nine days in the hospital.

“I apologize,” the Pope told French communications experts on Friday. “I will greet you one by one, because I don't need to talk to greet you. I do it from my heart.”