Pope to spend 'few days' in hospital due to respiratory infection

Pope Francis speaks during a general audience at St Peter's Square, Vatican City, March 29, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend "a few days" in hospital for treatment, the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday, amid concern for the 86-year-old's condition.

The 86-year-old pontiff was taken to Rome's Gemelli hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties over the past few days, the statement said. Tests showed he had the infection but did not have COVID-19, it said.