Pope Francis will be admitted to hospital for several days for treatment of a pulmonary infection after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days, the Vatican has said.
Previously, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, 86, said the Pope was taken to hospital for “some previously scheduled checks”.
The updated statement said the infection would “require a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy”.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” it added.
Bruni said on Wednesday that Francis had been suffering some breathing trouble in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.
“The tests showed a respiratory infection (Covid infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” a statement said.
The pontiff has suffered from mobility problems related to his knee in recent months, forcing him to use a wheelchair.
Despite his ailments, Francis has stayed active and has undertaken trips abroad this year.
He has previously indicated that he may also wish to follow in Benedict’s footsteps by stepping down from his position as pope in the event that his health deteriorated.
