Pope Francis is being treated for recent health problems. Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See’s Press Office, told NBC News via translation that the 86-year-old has been hospitalised for a lung infection after suffering breathing difficulties in recent days.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, visited Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome on March 29 for medical examinations, which showed the respiratory problem.
In a statement, Bruni noted that the visit “highlighted a respiratory infection (excluding the Covid-19 infection) which will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy.”
And amid his recovery, Francis remains thankful for the support he’s received.
The statement added, “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayers.”
Francis, who succeeded the late Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, has reportedly cancelled all public appearances till March 31. The Vatican has not indicated if the Pope will be well enough to attend future Holy Week celebrations, which were scheduled to begin on April 2 with Palm Sunday.
This latest hospitalisation follows a 10-day stay at Gemelli in July 2021 by nearly two years. According to NBC, he had 33 cm of his colon removed at the time. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who heads the hospital’s operative section for intestinal surgery, performed the operation, according to the Vatican. Ten doctors, including Dr. Alfieri and the pope’s personal physician, Dr. Roberto Bernabei, were also present.
According to the publication, Francis previously had a portion of one lung removed due to a respiratory ailment he battled as a young man.
On March 29, prior to his hospitalisation, Francis held an audience at Saint Peter’s Square. That same day, he also tweeted a message.
“We must never forget the moment and the way in which God enters into our lives,” he wrote, “treasuring in our hearts and minds that encounter with Grace that enkindles faith in our hearts and sparks zeal for the Gospel within us.”
Source – Tru News Report
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