Pope Francis Hospitalized

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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JANUARY 06: Pope Francis attends a Mass for the feast of the Epiphany at St. Peter's Basilica on January 06, 2023 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

According to a statement released by the Vatican, Pope Francis has contracted a respiratory infection and will require hospitalization in Rome for “a few days”.

Although he had been experiencing breathing difficulties, he does not have Covid-19, the statement said.

The statement added that the Pope would receive “appropriate medical therapy” during his hospital stay and that he was thankful for the numerous messages of support and prayers he had received. The Pope’s close staff, including security personnel, are expected to remain at the Gemelli Hospital overnight.

This time of year is typically busy for the 86-year-old Pope, with numerous events and services scheduled in the lead-up to Easter weekend.

A Palm Sunday Mass is planned for this weekend, followed by Holy Week and Easter celebrations the next week.

Despite his illness, the Pope presided over his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning.

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