Pope Francis blesses a guest on March 29, 2023 during the weekly general audience at St. Peter’s square in The Vatican.Vincenzo Pinto/AFP via Getty Images
ROME — The Vatican says Pope Francis has been taken to a Rome hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties.
Earlier the Vatican claimed the visit was for a previously scheduled check-up.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni’s second statement said that hospital tests showed Francis is suffering from a respiratory infection, but they ruled out COVID.
Bruni stated that the Pope will be hospitalised for a few days.
Diverticulitis is a disease that can infect or inflame the colon. In 2021, he had operation to remove a portion of his colon.
He stated earlier this year that the condition had returned but that he was not unduly concerned.
This weekend, Francis will observe Palm Sunday Mass, which marks the beginning of a series of events that will culminate with Easter Sunday on April 9.
Francis visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in February. It was first papal visit since to the DRC since 1985, and the first by a pope since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.