Pope Francis has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The Vatican explained that the pontiff has a respiratory infection and plans to spend “a few days” in hospital.
Francis has experienced breathing difficulties in recent days, but he does not have COVID. His closest advisers are expected to stay with him overnight.
As BBC News reports:
Previously, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope was taken to hospital for “some previously scheduled checks”.
The updated statement said the infection would “require a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy”.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” it added.
This is the busiest time of the year for Pope Francis, 86, with many events and services scheduled ahead of Easter weekend.
The Vatican’s Palm Sunday Mass this weekend and next weekend’s Holy Week festivities remain scheduled as before.
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World leader? Huh! I thought he was just a religious leader.