(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Pope Francis was hospitalized Wednesday after a medical checkup revealed an infection in his lungs, the Vatican announced.
Vatican officials said the pope does not have COVID-19.
Although Francis’ checkups at Rome's Gemelli Hospital were previously scheduled, Holy See Press Office Director added that the pope complained of some respiratory difficulties in recent days.
The Vatican’s press office wrote that the 86-year-old pope was “touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayers reaching him.”
On Wednesday, Chicago Archdiocese Archbishop Blase Cupich, asked local parishioners to join him in prayer for a "complete and swift recovery of the Holy Father."
Officials said they expect Francis to receive “a few days” of hospital treatment for the infection.
A respiratory infection previously caused Francis to have part of one lung removed when he was young. For over one year, the pope has been using a wheelchair due to injuries to his knees.
Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican's Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9.
He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn't clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.
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(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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