Pope Francis, 86, will remain hospitalized for several days to be treated for a lung infection, the Vatican reported Wednesday, after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days.
The pontiff canceled his audiences for the next few days and went by ambulance to the Gemelli University Hospital;
Initially, the Vatican reported that it was a routine review at the same hospital where he underwent surgery in 2021.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni assured that the pope does not have COVID-19 but will need several days of treatment.
Thus, his participation in the Holy Week activities, which start this Sunday, is suspended.
Pope Francis extends responsibility for those who cover up cases of sexual abuse in the Church
March 26, 202300:32
The pope looked healthy during his regular Wednesday audience, though he grimaced as he got in and out of his vehicle.
When he was young, Francisco had part of a lung removed due to a respiratory infection, and he often speaks in a whisper.
In 2021, he spent 10 days at the Gemelli University Hospital for intestinal surgery in which 13 inches of his colon were removed.
Francis is supposed to preside over the Palm Sunday celebration this weekend that will inaugurate the Vatican's solemnities for Holy Week: Good Thursday and Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter on April 9.