Pope Francis Health: Here’s Why the Vatican Leader Was Hospitalized

The Roman Catholic world is holding its breath after Pope Francis was sent to a hospital. The 86-year-old Argentina-born pontiff is expected to stay in the hospital for several days as he remains under observation.

According to The Guardian, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church had been complaining of breathing difficulties in the past few days. He may have suffered a respiratory infection, though additional tests performed showed he did not have COVID-19.

Initially, the Vatican said that he had a scheduled check-up. However, this was questioned by the Italian media as Pope Francis was scheduled for an interview on Wednesday, and it was canceled around the moment he was hospitalized.

During his weekly general audience at the Vatican, he appeared in good health. However, for most of his life, he had always been short of breath and generally more exposed to respiratory problems, as he had part of one lung removed when he was still in his early 20s, training to be a priest in Argentina.

The pope, who is now in his later years, suffers from diverticulitis, a condition that can infect or inflame the colon. He also has knee problems and must use either a cane or a wheelchair whenever he makes a public appearance.

However, despite the many health problems he had been suffering, the first Latin American pontiff stated that he had no plans to retire. He added that if he did, it would be for serious health reasons, such as if he were "gravely incapacitated."

Pope Francis Thankful for Well-Wishes After Hospitalization

Following his hospitalization, the Argentinian was sent plenty of well-wishes and heartwarming messages.

"Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer," a statement from Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni read.

Father Bruni also confirmed that the pope suffered a respiratory infection and that, thankfully, it was not COVID-19. The pontiff will still need to undergo some medical check-ups and a few days of appropriate hospital medical treatment.

Pope Francis Talked About St. Paul Before Hospitalization

Just before he was suddenly sent to the hospital, Pope Francis appeared for his usual Wednesday General Audience at the Vatican's Saint Paul Square. There, he talked to the crowd about Saint Paul, according to Vatican News.

The pontiff noted that Paul, who was previously Saul, a man who persecuted Christians, turned his zeal from wanting to destroy the Church to wanting to build it up, saying that his zeal was "converted" from the law and into the Gospel.

"We can ask ourselves: what happened? What has changed in Paul? In what sense was his zeal, his drive for the glory of God transformed?" asked the pope. "In Paul's case, what changed him was not a mere idea or conviction: it was the encounter with the Risen Lord that transformed his whole being."

He also asked for prayers for those who died at the deadly migrant facility fire at the U.S.-Mexico border.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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