Francis the Pope is being treatment for a respiratory illness
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will require a few days in a Rome hospital.
According to a statement, the 86-year-old has not been using Covid but has recently experienced respiratory problems.
He would require “a few days of adequate hospital medical therapy,” it was stated.
Pope Francis is moved by the numerous letters he has received and thanks everyone for their prayers and closeness, the statement continued.
The BBC was informed by a source with direct information that his closest team members—including security—were anticipated to spend the night at the Gemelli Hospital.
With numerous activities and services planned in advance of Easter weekend, this is Pope Francis’ busiest time of the year.
This weekend there will be a Palm Sunday Mass, and the following week is Holy Week and Easter.
In the end of April, he will also travel to Hungary.
He presided over his weekly general audience on Wednesday morning in St. Peter’s Square. Although he appeared to be in excellent spirits, he was seen frowning as he was assisted into his car.
The Vatican initially claimed that the Pope had visited a hospital for an earlier-than-expected checkup, but Italian media have questioned this claim after a television interview was abruptly canceled.
After hearing the news, President Joseph Biden urged everyone to say a “extra prayer” for the Pope’s quick recovery.
The pontiff is one of the “most Christ-like persons I’ve ever met,” according to Mr. Biden, who is only the second Roman Catholic to be chosen as US president.
Citizens in the Pope’s hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, expressed their emotions to the news agency Reuters. Daniel Saco, one of the men, stated that the pope “must ask himself whether he can continue.”
Victoria Veira, a Brazilian native, expressed her sadness at the situation. “I feel represented as a Latin American by this Pope, who is really open-minded and human,” she said.
She expressed optimism for a full recovery because Francis was “physically and mentally strong” and “a person with immense faith,” according to Anibal Pizelle, who first met the Pope while he served as the bishop of Buenos Aires.
Due to knee-related mobility issues, the Pope has been using a wheelchair lately.
In 2021, he additionally underwent surgery to address a gastrointestinal issue. He claimed the illness had reappeared in January.
The Pope has traveled and maintained his activity level despite his illnesses. In February, he traveled to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope in centuries to resign freely, and the Pope presided over his funeral in January. He claimed that his poor health was to blame.
In the past, Pope Francis has hinted that, should his health worsen, he too would want to follow in Benedict’s footsteps.
Easter itinerary for the Pope
Palm Sunday, April 2: 9:30 a.m. (7:30 gmt), Papal Mass, and 12:00 p.m.
Pope General Audience on April 5 at 9:00
Holy Thursday, April 6, St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:30 a.m.
Good Friday is April 7th; at 17:00 Passion of the Lord and 21:15 at the Colosseum are the Stations of the Cross.
Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica at 09:30 on Holy Saturday, April 8.
Easter Sunday, April 9: Easter Sunday Mass at 10:00 and Urbi et Orbi in St. Peter’s Piazza at 12:00
Pasquetta in St. Peter’s Square on Monday, April 10, at 12:00 p.m.
