Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend “a few days” in hospital in Rome, the Vatican has said.<\/p>\n
The pontiff had breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid, the statement said.<\/p>\n
He will need “a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy”.<\/p>\n
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the statement added.<\/p>\n
His closest staff, including security, were expected to stay the night at the Gemelli Hospital, a person with direct knowledge told the BBC earlier.<\/p>\n
This is the busiest time of the year for Pope Francis, 86, with many events and services scheduled ahead of Easter weekend.<\/p>\n
A Palm Sunday Mass is scheduled this weekend, and Holy Week and Easter celebrations next week.<\/p>\n
He is also scheduled to visit Hungary at the end of April.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday morning, he presided over his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square.<\/p>\n
Though he looked to be in good spirits, he was seen grimacing as he was helped with getting into his vehicle.<\/p>\n
The pontiff has suffered from mobility problems related to his knee in recent months, forcing him to use a wheelchair.<\/p>\n
He also underwent surgery to treat a colon problem at the same hospital in Rome in 2021. In January he said the condition had returned.<\/p>\n
Despite his ailments, the Pope has remained active and has undertaken trips abroad this year. He visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in February.<\/p>\n
In January, the Pope led the funeral of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI – who was the first pope to step down voluntarily for centuries. He said this was due to ill health.<\/p>\n
Pope Francis has previously indicated that he may also wish to follow in Benedict’s footsteps in the event that his health deteriorated.<\/p>\n