The Vatican in a statement on Wednesday said that Pope Francis hospitalized, was rushed to the hospital due to a respiratory infection. The Vatican further also added that the pontiff will have to stay in the hospital for a few days for treatment.
86-year old Pope Francis had been complaining of breathing difficulties over the past few days. Although, in the course of treatment and among various tests, COVID is not on the table, surely a sigh of relief.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pope Francis hospitalized with respiratory infection
What the Vatican had to say?
The Vatican released this statement hours after Pope Francis hospitalized unexpectedly for tests. It further also added that an initial check-up was scheduled, but the situation seemed more grave than that. A TV interview with the pope was set for Wednesday afternoon, and was cancelled at the very last moment, raising concerns in the Italian media.
Earlier that day, the pope was seen attending his weekly general audience at the Vatican and also seemed to appear in good health.
Diving in the medical history of the pontiff, Pope Francis is sometimes short of breath and also more exposed to respiratory problems than usual. This was because he had one part of his lung removed in his early 20s, back when he was training to be a priest in his native Argentina.
Ceremonies ahead-Pope Francis
The latest Pope Francis hospitalized come right ahead of the Palm Sunday service to be held on 2nd April, following it with a busy week of ceremonies at the Vatican before the Easter Sunday on 9th April. Pope’s health issue has thrown people in doubts whether or not he would be able to lead the ceremonies as customary.
Bishops across Italy are praying for the Pope’s speedy recovery after Pope Francis hospitalized.
“In wishing the Holy Father a speedy recovery, the Presidency entrusts to the Lord the doctors and medical staff who, with professionalism and dedication, care for him and all patients,” the Presidency of the Italian Episcopal Conference said in a statement.
The Pope is often seen with his walking stick and sometimes also opts for a wheelchair because of the pain in his right knee. Last year the pope had cancelled a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after doctors said he might have to also miss a trip to Canada later on unless he agreed for 20 more days of therapy for the pain in his knees.
He ultimately made the trip to Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan later in February.
