Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic this afternoon after suffering heart and respiratory problems. He was suffering from a respiratory infection, the Vatican said in the evening.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a press release that he was to be subjected to investigations that were already planned.
According to the Vatican, the Pope must remain in the hospital for a few days. Appointments tomorrow and Friday and a planned interview in the Vatican have been cancelled.
Complaints “Not Concerning”
According to the Milan daily Corriere della Sera, the Pope was taken to the Gemelli Clinic by ambulance after he complained of heart problems and breathing difficulties in the late morning. He was admitted to the cardiology department of the polyclinic. The complaints are currently classified as “not worrying”, but the pontifex maximus has reportedly been subject to various investigations. The hospital said a chest CT scan was negative.
Covered in “Apartments of the Popes”.
As usual, the Pope took part in the general audience today. He is said to have felt uncomfortable in the Santa Marta guest house. He was then taken to the polyclinic in an ambulance. Francis is in a room on the tenth floor of the Polyclinic, which is known as the “Pope’s Apartment” because Francis’ predecessors were often treated here. Francis had already spent a ten-day stay here in connection with his colon surgery on July 4, 2021.
In recent months, the 86-year-old has been burdened by knee problems. The Holy Father had previously refused knee surgery out of concern about the effects of the anesthesia.
The Pope’s health problems are casting a shadow over the upcoming Easter celebrations that are keeping the head of the Catholic Church busy. On Sunday morning, Francis was to celebrate the liturgical celebration of Palm Sunday as the start of Holy Week in St. Peter’s Square. This is a large service in front of tens of thousands of believers on St. Peter’s Square.