Pope Francis is battling a respiratory infection at the hospital.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis needs to spend a few days in the hospital in Rome due to a respiratory ailment.
Despite not using Covid, the 86-year-old has recently developed respiratory problems, according to a statement.
He would require “a few days of suitable inpatient medical therapy,” according to the report.
The statement said, “Pope Francis is affected by the numerous messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
According to a source with direct knowledge who spoke to the BBC, his closest team members—including security—are anticipated to spend the night at the Gemelli Hospital.
The Easter holiday weekend is the busiest period of the year for Pope Francis, who has a full program of events and services.
There will be a Palm Sunday Mass this weekend and celebrations of Holy Week and Easter the following week.
Also, he has a trip to Hungary planned at the end of April.
He oversaw his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning. Although he seemed happy, he was seen frowning as he was assisted into his car.
When a television interview was abruptly canceled, Italian media questioned the Vatican’s original claim that the Pope had visited the hospital for a previously arranged check-up.
President Joseph Biden responded to the news by requesting “additional prayers” for the Pope’s recovery.
The pontiff was also referred to by Mr. Biden, who is only the second Roman Catholic to be chosen as US president, as one of the “most Christ-like persons I’ve ever encountered.”
Argentina’s Buenos Aires, where the Pope is from, residents expressed their emotions to the Reuters news agency. The pontiff “must examine himself whether he can remain,” according to one man, Daniel Saco.
Victoria Veira, a Brazilian native, said, “That is extremely upsetting because, as a Latin American, I feel represented by this Pope, who is very open-minded and human.”
Francis is “physically and psychologically robust” and “a person with immense faith,” according to Anibal Pizelle, who first met the Pope while he served as the bishop of Buenos Aires. She also expressed optimism for a full recovery.
The Pope has been using a wheelchair lately due to knee-related mobility issues.
In 2021, he also had surgery to address a gastrointestinal issue. He claimed that the disease had resurfaced in January.
The Pope has traveled and continued to be active despite his illnesses. He traveled to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February.
The Pope presided at Pope Benedict XVI’s burial in January. Benedict XVI was the first pope in centuries to resign freely. He said that this was brought on by illness.
In the event that his health deteriorates, Pope Francis has already said that he might potentially want to follow in Benedict’s footsteps.
Pope’s Easter schedule
Palm Sunday, April 2: 9:30 a.m. (7:30 gmt) Papal Mass, 12:00 noon Sunday Blessing
9 a.m. Pope General Audience on April 5
Holy Thursday, April 6, 9:30 a.m. Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Good Friday, April 7: Passion of the Lord at 17:00 and Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum at 21:15
Holy Saturday, April 8: Easter Vigil at 20:30 in St. Peter’s Basilica
Easter Sunday, April 9: Easter Sunday Mass at 10:00; Urbi et Orbi at 12:00 in St. Peter’s Square.
Easter Monday, April 10th, 12:00 p.m., Pasquetta at St. Peter’s Square
