Pope Francis Admitted in hospital with respiratory infection

Pope Francis Suffers from respiratory infection and will have to spend several days in a hospital in Rome, the Vatican says.

The 86-year-old man has had breathing problems in recent days but does not have Covid, the statement said.

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

The Pope has been using a wheelchair in recent months due to mobility issues related to his knee.

He also underwent surgery in 2021 to treat a colon problem. In January, he said the condition had returned.

Despite his illness, the Pope remained active and traveled abroad. In February, he visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.

In January, the pope led the funeral of his predecessor, Benedict XVI - who was the first pope to voluntarily step down in centuries. He said it was due to ill health.

Pope Francis has previously indicated that he might also wish to follow in Benedict's footsteps should his health deteriorate.