POPE FRANCIS IN HOSPITAL

Reports from the Vatican state that Pope Francis is currently in the hospital due to a respiratory illness.

Despite not having Covid, the 86-year-old has recently had respiratory problems, according to a statement.

He would require “a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy” according to the report.

The statement continued, “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the statement added.

With numerous activities and services planned in advance of Easter weekend, this is Pope Francis’ busiest time of the year.

This weekend there will be a Palm Sunday Mass, and the following week is Holy Week and Easter.

At the end of April, he will also travel to Hungary.

The Vatican originally claimed that the Pope had visited a hospital for an earlier-than-expected checkup, but Italian media have questioned this claim after a television interview was abruptly canceled.

After hearing the news, President Joe Biden urged everyone to say a “extra prayer” for the Pope’s quick recovery.