Pope Francis will be hospitalized for several days for treatment of a respiratory infection after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days, the Vatican said Wednesday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni says Francis, 86, does not have COVID-19, but requires several days of therapy.
"Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," Bruni said in a statement.
The hospitalization marks the first since Francis spent 10 days at Rome's Gemelli hospital in July 2021 to have 13 inches of his colon removed.
It immediately raised questions about Francis' overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.
Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli for tests.
"The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy," Bruni said.
Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the "popemobile."
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
- In:
- Pope Francis
- Religion
- Vatican City
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in
for more features.
