Pope Francis has been admitted to hospital amid speculation that he suddenly complained of “heart problems”.
Matteo Bruni of the Vatican Press Office issued a one-line statement to say that the 86-year-old Argentine Pontiff went to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome “for some previously scheduled check-ups”.
Italian media reported, however, that the Holy Father was suffering from a heart complaint and was also experiencing “breathing difficulties”.
Three newspapers also claimed that he was driven to hospital in an ambulance after he became suddenly ill following the Wednesday General Audience at the Vatican.
According to AFP, the French news agency, the Pope’s appointments for Thursday have now been cancelled and it is likely that he might be kept in hospital overnight.
“The pope’s agenda has been freed up for the possibility of further tests,” a source said.
The Daily Telegraph reported that papal aides and security staff have set up camp at the hospital in the expectation that the Pope will spend at least a night there.
Tests have included an MRI scan to check the health of his lungs, the newspaper cited Italian media as reporting.
Some sources reported that he was afflicted by a respiratory infection.
Speculation is now mounting about whether the Pope will be well enough to celebrate the Holy Week services that begin with Palm Sunday this weekend since liturgically it is the busiest time of the Church’s calendar.
Francis’s health has been slowly but visibly deteriorating in recent years, not least because of knee problems which have left him dependent upon a wheelchair for long periods.
In the summer of 2021 he also underwent surgery on his colon, which triggered rumours that he was being treated for cancer.
The Pope has admitted drafting a letter of resignation in the event of illness making it impossible for him to discharging his duties.
He said in a recent interview, however, that he had no intention of relinquishing his office because he believed the Petrine ministry was for life.
(Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
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