Pope Francis had been complaining about difficulty breathing and was “deeply touched” by the “many messages” he has received since news broke that he would be hospitalised.
Pope Francis has been hospitalised in the Gemelli clinic, in Rome, after routine exams detected a respiratory infection.
A statement released by the Holy See press office says that the Holy Father presided over the general audience on Wednesday morning, in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, and only went to the clinic in the afternoon for “previously scheduled check-ups”.
Matteo Bruni, head of the press office, says that the “the results show a respiratory infection (Covid 19 infection excluded) that will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical treatment”. The note, which was released through official Vatican channels, explains that over the past few days “Pope Francis has complained of some respiratory difficulties”.
International Charity Aid to the Church in Need calls on its friends and benefactors all over the world to pray for the Holy Father’s recovery. The statement released by the Holy See says that the Pope “is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”