Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital due to a lung infection after experiencing difficulty breathing, the Vatican confirmed on Wednesday. The 86-year-old pope’s hospitalization has sparked concerns about his health, as he underwent surgery just last year to remove a portion of his colon.
According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, Pope Francis has tested negative for Covid-19 and will remain hospitalized for a few days for treatment. The Gemelli hospital in Rome is known for treating the pope and has been the hospital of choice for several popes in the past.
The pope’s hospitalization comes just days before Holy Week events are set to begin, leading to questions about his ability to celebrate the busy religious festivities. However, Bruni assured that the pope’s condition is not related to Covid-19 and that he is responding well to treatment.
In a statement, Bruni said that Pope Francis had been experiencing breathing difficulties in recent days, leading him to seek medical attention. The hospitalization is the first since his surgery in July 2021 and has raised concerns about the pope’s overall health.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained active in his role, participating in a number of virtual events from his hospital room. The Vatican has not yet provided further updates on his condition, but is expected to do so in the coming days.
Pope Francis’ hospitalization due to a lung infection has sparked concerns about his health and ability to carry out his religious duties. However, the Vatican has confirmed that the pope does not have Covid-19 and is responding well to treatment. The Gemelli hospital in Rome, known for treating popes, is providing care to the pontiff, who is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days