According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will be required to stay in hospital for treatment of a respiratory infection.
Matteo Bruni, a spokesperson for the Gemelli hospital, said that the 86-year old had been complaining of breathing problems in recent days.
He added that the pontiff doesn’t have COVID, but does require therapy for several days.
A statement stated that tests had shown a respiratory infection (COVID-19 exclusion) and would require medical treatment for several days.
“Pope Francis is touched and grateful for all the messages received.
This announcement was made hours after the pope had been admitted to hospital for tests.
Although the Vatican initially stated that the check-up was scheduled, the Italian media challenged this assertion and claimed that a television interview with the pope today was cancelled.
The pope appeared healthy and fit at his Vatican weekly general audience earlier today.
He grimaced as he got into and out the “popemobile”.
US President Joe Biden stated that he learned about Pope Francis’s health issues and expressed concern for his “friend” dear.
Previous medical conditions
Pope Francis was born with one lung and speaks only in whispers.
Following surgery to correct an intestinal narrowing (33cm (11.3in)), he spent 10 days in the Gemelli hospital.
Due to strained ligaments in his right leg and a small fracture in his knee, the pontiff has been using a wheelchair for more than a year. The pontiff said that the injury was healing. He has been using a cane more lately.
Pope Francis stated that he refused surgery to treat his knee problems due to the fact that he didn’t respond well during 2021 intestinal surgery.
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