Vatican: Pope Francis hospitalized for respiratory problems
Pope Francis speaking in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Photo taken on March 29, 2023. © REUTERS/Vatican Media
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Pope Francis was admitted to hospital Wednesday afternoon with respiratory problems. The 86-year-old pontiff must spend a few days under medical supervision while his health improves. The Vatican has caused confusion, initially announcing routine health check-ups.
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With our correspondent in Rome, Éric Sénanque
At first, the Vatican had explained that the pontiff had gone to the hospital "for scheduled examinations". But Pope Francis was the victim of a respiratory malaise in the early afternoon.
He was therefore hospitalized for a series of tests, including blood. The Holy See revealed in the evening that the pope was suffering from a respiratory infection, which is not Covid, but requires hospitalization for a few days, also noting that the pontiff had been complaining for a few days of breathing difficulties.
The pope was transferred to Rome's Gemelli Hospital, known as the "Popes' Hospital." It was there that John Paul II had made several stays, there also that the Argentine pope had been admitted for ten days in the summer of 2021 for a colon operation.
The health of 86-year-old Pope Francis is under particular scrutiny. This hospitalization takes place a few days before the beginning of Holy Week in Rome, particularly rich in celebrations. It is not yet known whether Francis will be reinstated to preside over these ceremonies.
►To read: Pope Francis: ten years of pontificate
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