Sri Lanka, Feb. 15 -- Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized for treatment of a respiratory infection, the Vatican announced on Friday. He is in stable condition and has begun hospital drug therapy at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

The pope has been suffering from bronchitis for over a week, with initial tests confirming a respiratory tract infection. The Vatican stated that he has a slight fever but remains in good spirits, reading newspapers during his stay.

Due to his condition, Francis will skip several planned public events over the next three days. Despite recent health challenges, including bronchitis and two falls in recent months, he has maintained a busy schedule, including foreign travel.

Francis, who has had lung complications s...