Pope Francis Admitted to Rome Hospital After Experiencing Difficulty Breathing

VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Francis was admitted to a Rome hospital on Wednesday after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days, the Vatican said. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said medical checks had been carried out on the pontiff at the Gemelli hospital, where Francis underwent surgery in 2021.

Bruni said in a statement that the tests had picked up a respiratory infection, though Covid-19 had been ruled out. “The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni’s statement said.

The Pope has canceled his audiences for the next two days to undergo the medical therapy. “In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some breathing difficulties,” Bruni said.

The Vatican has not released any further information on the Pope’s condition or the nature of the respiratory infection. It is unclear how long the Pope will remain in the hospital for treatment.

Pope Francis has been the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013 and is the first Pope from the Americas. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice and environmental protection, and has been praised for his progressive views on many issues.