Pope Francis Is in the Hospital for a Respiratory Infection

Just days before the start of Holy Week, it's been reported that Pope Francis has been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for treatment of a respiratory infection. 

“In recent days Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties, and this afternoon he went to Policlinico A. Gemelli for some medical checks,” Vatican Spokesman Matteo Bruni said. “The outcome of these showed a respiratory infection (excluding Covid-19 infection) that will require several days of appropriate hospital medical treatment.”

He added: “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”

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The pope reportedly went to the Gemelli for planned tests, further details of which have not been revealed. COVID-19 has been ruled out.

Concerns over the pope's health have persisted over the years. In the past, his knee problems have been well-documented, forcing him to walk with a cane and sometimes travel in a wheelchair or seek additional assistance just to stand up. He continues to decline knee surgery because of a previously uncomfortable reaction to anesthesia. 

He's also had trouble with sciatica, a nerve condition that affects the back, hips, and legs. In 2021, he also had major intestinal surgery. His medical problems go back to his younger days. In his youth, the pope survived severe pneumonia and even had a part of his lung removed.

While he has suffered from poor health, Pope Francis has remained adamant about heading the Church even in his advanced age. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, became the first pope in nearly 600 years to step down from the papacy.

Pope Francis is expected to attend Holy Week activities for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Meanwhile, the Vatican expressed its gratitude for the thoughts and prayers from the public.