VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, 86, hospitalised in Rome on Wednesday with a respiratory infection.
“In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some respiratory difficulties,” stated Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
Bruni said the pontiff admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for medical exams, which found “a respiratory infection… that would require a few days of adequate hospital medical care,” excluding a COVID-19 illness.
Francis allowed “for certain previously scheduled checks” earlier in the day, the Vatican said.
The pope, who celebrated 10 years as Catholic Church leader this month, smiled as he greeted the faithful from his “popemobile” at his monthly Vatican audience.
He grimaced as he carried into the vehicle, and Italian media said he rushed to the hospital by ambulance.
Bruni said Pope Francis affected by the many messages and expressed his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
Afterward, The Vatican told AFP that the pope’s Thursday morning appointments cancelled.
He uses a wheelchair due to persistent knee pain.
Moreover, In July 2021, he had a colon procedure at the Gemelli for diverticulitis, an inflammation of pockets in the gut lining.
10 days in the hospital. A year later, he still felt the affects of six hours under anaesthetic after surgery.
Francis reported recurrent diverticulitis in January.
