Pope Francis will be hospitalized in Rome for a “few days” after a scheduled checkup on Wednesday, according to the Vatican.
Francis, 86, visited the Gemelli Hospital Wednesday afternoon for his checkup, Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The Vatican later said that Francis went to the hospital for a respiratory infection after experiencing breathing difficulties and will remain hospitalized for a “few days,” the BBC reported. The pope canceled his audiences through Friday.
A statement from the Vatican said that the pope’s condition would “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,” the statement added. The pope appeared to be in relatively good condition when he was in front of a general audience earlier on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
The pope’s hospitalization comes a few days before Palm Sunday and Holy Week ending with Easter Sunday on April 9, a busy time for the religious leader.
Read the full story here.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
