Pope Francis Suffering From Respiratory Infection, To Be Hospitalised For A Few Days: Report

Bishops in churches across Italy have been praying for the Pope’s recovery, the Presidency of the Italian Episcopal Conference, on behalf of the Italian bishops, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Pope Francis holds his speech during the weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square.

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New Delhi: Pope Francis will be hospitalised for “a few days” for the treatment of a respiratory infection, CNN reported the Vatican as saying on Wednesday.

“In recent days Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties and this afternoon he went to Policlinico A. Gemelli for some medical checks,” Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said in a statement, referring to the Rome hospital where popes generally undergo treatment.

“The outcome of these [tests] showed a respiratory infection (excluding Covid-19 infection) that will 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,” Bruni added.

After his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the 86-year-old pontiff was taken to the hospital to undergo a few tests. Earlier in the day, the Vatican had said that the visit and tests were routine visits.

However later, Bruni said that Francis’ schedule for Thursday had been cleared “to make space for the continuation of tests should that be necessary.”

The Church of Rome expressed “all its closeness and affection to its Bishop Pope Francis, and ensures its unceasing prayers, wishing him a speedy recovery,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Bishops in churches across Italy have been praying for the Pope’s recovery, the Presidency of the Italian Episcopal Conference, on behalf of the Italian bishops, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“In wishing the Holy Father a speedy recovery, the Presidency entrusts to the Lord the doctors and medical staff who, with professionalism and dedication, care for him and all patients,” the statement added.

Notably, the Pope, who has been suffering from respiratory ailments, also suffers from diverticulitis, a medical condition that can cause inflammation or infection of the colon. In 2021, he had surgery to remove a part of his colon.