Pope Francis grateful for closeness and prayers as he undergoes medical check-ups

By Vatican News

Pope Francis is undergoing medical check-ups in Rome's Gemelli Hospital. He says he is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayers reaching him.

In a communication sent on Wednesday afternoon to journalists, Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni issued a statement informing that: "This afternoon, the Holy Father went to Gemelli for some previously scheduled check-ups."

Customary General Audience

As is customary, the Holy Father presided over the Wednesday General Audience in St Peter's Square on Wednesday morning.

In recent days Pope Francis has complained of some respiratory difficulties and in the afternoon went to the Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome to undergo some medical check-ups.

The results show a respiratory infection (Covid 19 infection excluded) that will require a few days of appropriate hospital medical treatment.

Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.

This article was first published at 16:45 on the release of the initial communication, and updated after the second communication was released at 20:30 CEST