The Vatican said Wednesday that Pope Francis will be hospitalized for several days for treatment of a respiratory infection after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis, 86, does not have COVID-19, but requires several days of therapy.
"The tests showed a respiratory infection (COVID-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy," Bruni's statement said.
Scheduled events for the pope have been cancelled through Friday, raising questions about his participation during the Vatican's Holy Week activities starting Sunday. (AP)