Pope hospitalized, appointments cancelled

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Pope Francis is in hospital with a respiratory infection and will need to spend a few days there, according to a Vatican statement.

He had breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid, the statement said.

Earlier it was announced that he attended a scheduled hospital appointment but was admitted and his appointments were cancelled for the next two days.

Despite his mobility issues, recent colon surgery and advanced years, the Pope, aged 86, has kept up a busy schedule of meetings and visits, with trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan this year.

He is due to lead services next week, Holy Week, leading to Easter.

His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, retired due to ill health, a rare decision for a Pope. Francis has made public that he has written a letter of resignation in case his health fails, but he has also confirmed recently that he has no intention of stepping down early.