Pope Francis has been hospitalized over a respiratory infection.

As the Vatican confirmed on Wednesday night, the head of the Catholic Church suffered breathing difficulties after contracting a respiratory infection.

While the exact nature of the condition remains unclear, Covid-19 was reportedly ruled out.

The 86-year-old has since been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome and is set to remain in their treatment for several days.

According to spokesperson Matteo Bruni, Francis requires “days of medical therapy” before he can return to the Vatican.

“The tests showed a respiratory infection (Covid-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” he said.

“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”

After learning of the Pope’s condition, well-wishers from around the globe began sending their prayers for the head of the Catholic Church.

Among them was also President Joe Biden who admitted he was concerned about his “dear friend” and his condition.

“The pope is ill now so say an extra prayer for him,” he told the reporters during a meeting with Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez in the White House’s Oval Office.

The worrisome health update comes shortly after the Pope was spotted in high spirits while taking part in the weekly general audience.

The health scare also comes just days before the Pope is scheduled to kick off his hectic Easter schedule including a papal mass on Palm Sunday, a papal general audience on April 5, chrism mass on Holy Thursday, Passion of the Lord on Good Friday, Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday Mass, and Easter Monday.

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