ALBAWABA - Pope Francis spent a quiet night at a Rome hospital, where he underwent preliminary checkups for a respiratory infection, news outlets and the Vatican said.
A Vatican official says Pope Francis has spent a good first night in the hospital after being admitted for a respiratory infection. Further medical updates were expected later. https://t.co/dJ4Y0ZS1em
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 30, 2023
In a statement, the Vatican said Francis, 86, is expected to remain at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted Wednesday afternoon, for a few days. It said the Holy See did not have COVID-19.
Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will stay in hospital in Rome for a few days, the Vatican says https://t.co/3raZhb4yCW
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) March 29, 2023
"In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some respiratory difficulties and in the afternoon went to the Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome to undergo some medical check-ups," the statement said.
It said: "The results show a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical treatment."
Pope Francis was hospitalized with a lung infection Wednesday, immediately raising questions about his overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday https://t.co/wGFtbECBZQ
— TIME (@TIME) March 30, 2023
The statement said that Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.
The BBC said it "is the busiest time of the year for Pope Francis, with many events and services scheduled ahead of Easter weekend."
A Palm Sunday Mass is scheduled this weekend, and Holy Week and Easter celebrations next week, BBC said, adding that the pope is also scheduled to visit Hungary at the end of April.
