BISHOP of Rome and head of the Catholic church, Pope Francis has been admitted to a Rome hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties recently.
In a statement issued by the Vatican on Wednesday, March 29, the spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said the pontiff has a respiratory infection and needs to spend a few days in the hospital for medical attention.
”Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the statement added.
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However, the statement clarified that the 86-year-old does not have COVID-19 as it has been ruled out by the test conducted.
This is coming in the wake of events and activities scheduled ahead of the Easter weekend. A Palm Sunday mass is scheduled this weekend and the Easter celebration is slated for next week.
This is to include the Vatican’s Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday on April 9.
It will be recalled that in 2021, the pontiff underwent surgery for a colon condition called symptomatic stenotic diverticulitis and he spent 10 days at the Gemelli hospital in Rome.
The ICIR in January reported that Pope Francis led the funeral of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI who was the first Pope to step down voluntarily due to ill health.