According to the Vatican, Pope Francis needs to spend a few days in the hospital in Rome due to a respiratory ailment.
Despite not using Covid, the 86-year-old has recently developed respiratory problems, according to a statement.
He would require “a few days of suitable inpatient medical therapy,” according to the report.
The statement said, “Pope Francis is affected by the numerous messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
The Pope is expected to spend the night at the Gemelli Hospital with his closest team members, including security. This is the busiest time of the year for the Pope, with several events and services planned ahead of Easter weekend.
There will be a Palm Sunday Mass this weekend and celebrations of Holy Week and Easter the following week.
Also, he has a trip to Hungary planned at the end of April.
He oversaw his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning. Although he seemed happy, he was seen frowning as he was assisted into his car.
When a television interview was abruptly canceled, Italian media questioned the Vatican’s original claim that the Pope had visited the hospital for a previously arranged check-up.
The Pope has been using a wheelchair lately due to knee-related mobility issues.
In 2021, he also had surgery to address a gastrointestinal issue. He claimed that the disease had resurfaced in January.
The Pope has traveled and continued to be active despite his illnesses. He traveled to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February.
The Pope presided over Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral in January. Benedict XVI was the first pope in centuries to resign voluntarily. He said that this was brought on by the illness.
If his health deteriorates, Pope Francis has already said that he might potentially want to follow in Benedict’s footsteps.
