30 March 2023
Pope Francis has been taken to hospital after suffering with a respiratory infection and will likely remain there for several days to be treated, ahead of a busy Easter schedule.
In a statement on Wednesday local time, the Vatican press office said, “Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties and this afternoon he went to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for some medical tests. The outcome of these showed a respiratory infection — a COVID-19 infection was excluded — that will require several days of appropriate medical treatment in the hospital.”
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages he’s received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the press office added.
Audiences with the Pope scheduled for March 30 and 31 had already been cancelled to make room for further tests to continue, however its likely he will need to cancel further audiences.
Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Pope Francis had presided over his weekly general audience, appearing in good spirits.
In the past few months, the Pope has used a wheelchair due to mobility problems due to his knee and said a colon problem, which he underwent surgery for in 2021, had returned.
He also had part of one lung removed in his 20s while training to be a priest in his native Argentina.
The Gemelli hospital, part of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, keeps a suite of rooms reserved for the popes on its 10th floor. According to the BBC, his closest staff are expected to stay the night with him in hospital.
The Pope is due to preside over a Palm Sunday service on April 2, beginning a busy Holy Week schedule.
The faithful are encouraged to keep Pope Francis in their prayers, praying for his full and speedy recovery.