(CNN) — Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will have to spend “a few days” hospitalized, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 86-year-old pontiff was transferred to a hospital in Rome after complaining of some respiratory problems, the statement said. “In recent days, Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties and this afternoon he went to the A. Gemelli Polyclinic for medical check-ups,” the statement added.
“The result thereof showed a respiratory infection (which excludes contagion by covid-19) that will require a few days of hospital medical therapy,” the statement continued. And he added that Francis “is moved by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”
The Vatican initially said the pope had been taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for scheduled checkups. Shortly after, he reported that his schedule for this Thursday had been canceled “to open space for the continuation of the exams if necessary.”
It had previously been reported that the pontiff went to the Gemelli hospital in Rome to undergo scheduled check-ups.
Earlier in the day, Francis participated in the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square and appeared to be in good health.