The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis is to spend ‘few days’ in hospital with a respiratory infection, sparking concern among millions of his followers worldwide. The 84-year-old pontiff has been suffering from a persistent cough in recent weeks and doctors have advised him to seek medical attention. The announcement comes as the pontiff has been quite active lately, leading the Sunday Angelus prayers from his window in St. Peter’s Square and even presiding over a public event to celebrate Italy’s recent passage of a landmark LGBTQ+ rights bill.
The Vatican announced on July 4, 2021, that Pope Francis will be spending a few days in a hospital in Rome to undergo treatment for a respiratory infection. According to Matteo Bruni, the spokesperson for the Vatican, the 86-year-old pontiff complained about breathing difficulties in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests. The pontiff does not have COVID-19 but requires several days of therapy for his medical condition.
In a statement, the Vatican said that “the tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy.” The statement added that the Pope is grateful for the closeness and prayers he received from many people.
The announcement came just hours after the Pope was taken to the hospital for check-ups. The Vatican initially said that the visit was scheduled, but Italian media questioned that, claiming that scheduled events were canceled at the last minute, including an afternoon TV interview with the Pope.
Pope Francis had just attended his weekly general audience at the Vatican and appeared to be in good health. However, he grimaced while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”
The Pope is due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, generating concerns from his followers about his physical well-being. US President Joe Biden expressed his concern over the Pope’s health, calling him his “friend.”
Pope Francis has had several previous health conditions. He had one lung removed when he was young due to a respiratory infection, which has affected his respiratory system throughout his life, causing him to speak in a whisper. In 2021, he underwent surgery at the same hospital to remove 33 centimeters of his colon due to an intestinal narrowing. For over a year, he has also used a wheelchair due to a knee injury, which has left him with a small knee fracture and strained ligaments in his right knee.
The Pope had been resisting surgery for his knee problems because he did not respond well to general anesthesia during his previous surgery in 2021. Despite his injuries, Pope Francis has remained active in his ministry, delivering sermons and meeting with international leaders.
The news of Pope Francis’s hospitalization has sparked an outpouring of support from his followers worldwide, with many expressing their prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery. While the Pope’s medical condition has not been identified as severe, his hospitalization serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of even the most powerful people in the world.
