Pope Francis Hospitalized for Lung Infection – According to a statement from the Vatican, Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday due to a lung infection that caused breathing difficulties. The Pope, who is 86 years old, is expected to stay in the hospital for a few days while receiving treatment. However, it was confirmed by the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, that the Pope’s condition is not related to COVID-19.
Following Pope Francis’ hospitalization due to a lung infection, which caused breathing difficulties, concerns have been raised about his health and his ability to participate in the upcoming Holy Week events starting with Palm Sunday. This is the Pope’s first hospitalization since July 2021 when he spent ten days in the Gemelli hospital undergoing surgery to remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon.
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In a statement released by Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, it was confirmed that the Pope’s hospitalization was due to a respiratory infection and not related to COVID-19. Bruni added that the Pope had been experiencing breathing troubles in recent days and had undergone tests that revealed the need for several days of medical therapy.
During Pope Francis’ regularly scheduled general audience on Wednesday, he appeared to be in relatively good form. However, he did experience discomfort while getting in and out of the “popemobile.” The Pope had part of one lung removed in his youth due to a respiratory infection, which resulted in him often speaking in a whisper. Despite this, he has not publicly disclosed testing positive for COVID-19, even during the worst phases of the pandemic.
Due to his recent hospitalization, the Pope has canceled all audiences through Friday, and it remains uncertain if he will be able to keep his Holy Week plans, which were set to begin with Palm Sunday. The Pope has been using a wheelchair for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small fracture. Although he said the injury was healing, he has recently been walking more frequently with the help of a cane.
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In addition, the Pope has previously stated that he had resisted knee surgery because he did not respond well to general anesthesia during his intestinal surgery in 2021. He recovered fully from the surgery and was able to eat normally. However, in a January 24 interview with the Associated Press, he revealed that his diverticulosis had returned, causing bulges in his intestinal wall.
