Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection and will be treated for many days.

A spokesman initially stated that the Pope had been brought to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for earlier examinations, but according to a later statement, Francis had complained of “breathing difficulties” in previous days.

“The results of these [tests] revealed a respiratory infection (excluding Covid-19 infection) that will necessitate a few days of hospital medical therapy.”

“The many messages received have touched Pope Francis, who expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” Bruni wrote.

His health has been a frequent source of concern, particularly if he will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and quit if he is unable to continue.