Pope admitted to hospital after 'difficulty breathing'

The Pope will be admitted to hospital after having 'difficulty breathing' in recent days, the Vatican have said.

Pope Francis, 86, is due to be admitted to hospital for several days with a pulmonary infection, and will need 'a few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy', the statement said. It also said he does not have Covid.

It comes just before the pontiff's busiest time of year, with scheduled services over the Easter period.

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

The pontiff is scheduled to lead a Palm Sunday Mass this weekend, and Holy Week and Easter celebrations next week.

He has struggled with mobility issues following a problem with his knee in recent months, forcing him to use a wheelchair. He also announced in January that a pre-existing colon problem had returned.

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