Amid Health concerns, Pope Francis confirms bronchitis, not pneumonia

"I'm suffering from a rather acute and contagious bout of bronchitis," Pope Francis announced during a seminar discussing ethics in healthcare. He continued, "Thankfully, it's not pneumonia."

Throughout Thursday, the Pope engaged with various groups in nine different audiences. "As you can see, I'm still alive," Francis joked at one such meeting.

Addressing the subject of his recent trip cancellation to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate conference, he explained, "My doctor did not advise travel to Dubai."

He then elaborated, "The heat there, transitioning from that to air-conditioned rooms, is not beneficial in my current condition with bronchitis."

"Thank heavens it's not pneumonia. It's a rather acute and contagious case of bronchitis," he clarified. He further noted: "My fever is gone now, but I remain on antibiotics."

Prior to this, the Vatican had reported lung inflammation as the Pope's health concern.

Regarding the seminar topic, Pope Francis said: "Neglecting health leads to frailty. I am a strong believer in preventative medicine." He then apologized: "I regret that I can't talk more, I just don't have the energy."

The Pope's schedule was particularly packed on that day. There were nine audiences in total, held both at his residence, the House of Saint Martha, and at the nearby Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.

Among the individuals who met with Pope Francis were the organizers of World Youth Day in Lisbon, Canadian bishops, members of the International Theological Commission, and Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi Archbishop Dieudonne Datonou.